What The Events Of Inauguration Day Actually Symbolize

The only aspect of Inauguration Day mandated by the US Constitution is the presidential oath of office. In accordance with Article II, Section I of the Constitution, the incoming president recites the following pledge:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. 

Administered by the current Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court since President George Washington's second inaugural celebration in 1793, the oath of office solidifies the new American leader's duty to uphold and defend the nation's most sacred legal document.

The vice-presidential oath of office, also administered by the Chief Justice, comes right before the president's oath. Per rules established in 1884, the veep's vow is the same one made by new senators, representatives, and other federal employees.

Since Article II of the Constitution is vague about the timing of the Presidential Oath of Office, the 20th Amendment was added to solidify the exact hour the president-elect makes their pledge: noon.

The 20th Amendment took effect for Franklin D. Roosevelt's second Inauguration Day in 1937, and it has been the rule of law ever since. The vice president goes first, and then the president follows suit.

The highlight of each Inauguration Day is always the presidential address, which establishes the administration's aspirations and priorities for the next four years. These inaugural addresses have produced some of the most iconic quotes in American history, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt's assertion as the Great Depression started winding down in 1933 that "we have nothing to fear but fear itself."

There are no guidelines for how long, or how short, an inaugural address should be. These speeches vary in length, tone, and subject matter over time - a reflection of the unique factors and challenges looming over every Inauguration Day.

The shortest inaugural address is the second one ever made. Coming in at a whopping 135 words, President George Washington produced his brief speech in Philadelphia on March 4, 1793. William Henry Harrison is responsible for the longest inaugural address, an 8,445-word sermon he delivered on a cold, wet day in 1841 in Washington, DC. The prolonged exposure to the elements likely led to Harrison's passing a month later.

Although it's not legally required, custom calls for the outgoing president to attend the incoming president's inaugural festivities. Seeing both leaders on the same stage provides the world with a powerful image of unity that symbolizes the smooth, peaceful transition of power.

Only four outgoing presidents have skipped Inauguration Day: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Johnson, and Donald Trump

Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated at the Capitol in Washington, DC. Jefferson's event was held inside the Senate Chamber, and it was Andrew Jackson who first took the oath outside the Capitol in 1829. Jackson established the tradition of being sworn in on the East Portico. Almost every president from Martin Van Buren in 1837 to Jimmy Carter in 1977 kept this location - with a few notable exceptions.

In 1909, a blizzard forced William Howard Taft's inaugural celebration indoors. For his fourth Inauguration Day on January 20, 1945, Franklin D. Roosevelt hosted a small event on the South Portico of the White House.

Since Ronald Reagan's first inaugural ceremony in 1981, Inauguration Day has been held on the Capitol's West Front, which overlooks the National Mall and allows for more spectators.

In recent decades, presidents have invited special guests to perform on Inauguration Day. President Barack Obama's two inaugurations are known for featuring musicians like Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, and John Legend, as well as poets like Richard Blanco. President Donald Trump's inauguration included musicians Lee Greenwood and the band 3 Doors Down.

For his Inauguration Day, Pressident Joe Biden is shared the stage with Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez among many others. The addition of special celebrity guests for these now televised ceremonies indicates what a vital component of public life they have become.