From One President to the Next: Inauguration Day in the United States
Inauguration Day typically follows time-honored traditions, but to the majority of Americans, this year feels different. For this presidential inauguration, the in-person audience will be smaller due to the virus, and security will be heavily increased. From the safety of their homes, many Americans will tune in on their televisions and still get to watch the parade, music performances, and speeches leading up to the inauguration. Though the festivities of the ceremony are slightly altered this year, the core purpose remains the same: the transfer of power from one President to another and conferring the new President’s responsibilities.
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
Since 1937, the presidential inauguration has occurred on January 20th, but before then, March 4th was the big day. Thinking back to why the day was originally in March, it seems plausible that the warmer spring month would have made travel easier and the outdoor celebration more bearable. The 20th Amendment was ratified and moved the start date earlier. Most importantly, the time between the election and the inauguration was shortened by nearly a month and a half, meaning that there is significantly less time for the presidential transition nowadays. Though this change creates more productivity with the new President entering sooner, it tends to leave raw political feelings because the election was so recent.
Before the president-elect has arrived at the Capitol Building, he/she will lead a large parade on Pennsylvania Avenue. The President-Elect and their family walk in front, and they are followed by a military band, escort vehicles, and servicepeople. Compared to the actual inauguration ceremony, this part of the day is rather lighthearted and celebratory. Also before the inauguration, famous musicians will perform. These acts are usually selected by the president-elect in advance. This year, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Demi Lovato, the Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, and John Legend will take the stage.
Photo: GPA Photo Archive Flickr
By the time the president arrives at the Capitol building, government officials are seated in chairs close to the stage. Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, and military members have reserved seating, while the public is left with standing room. It is also customary for the former president to attend the inauguration. Attending the next president’s inauguration is not required per se, but it is a kind gesture that shows the peaceful transfer of power. Only five times has the previous president not attended the new president's inauguration.
The start of the actual inauguration is marked by the oath of office. The oath of office is typically administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Vice President and the President will both place their hand on a book that aligns with their faith to swear that they will protect their country. They must recite, "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." The oath is followed by an inaugural address, where the President will typically thank the previous President for their service and will set out their vision for the country.
This year, there will be many changes to what normally happens on Inauguration Day. There will be 1,000 guests in total, and tickets are not being offered to the public. Typically, 20,000 tickets are given away, but it would be nearly impossible to keep people six feet apart if things were kept as normal. There won’t be a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue this year, but that’s not to say that there will be no parade at all. The Biden administration has organized a virtual parade commemorating frontline workers, and all of the musical performances will be broadcasted.
Photo: Chris Campbell Flickr
Ukrainian Public Broadcaster UA Pershyi together with America House and the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, will broadcast the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States of America. Join us live on America House Facebook page or on UA:Pershyi on Wednesday, January 20th, at 6:00 PM Kyiv Time. Together with a number of guest experts, we will dive into the U.S. electoral process, the inauguration, and the perspective from here in Ukraine.
Vocabulary list:
confer (v.): to give a title to
plausible (adj.): seeming reasonable or likely
bearable (adj.): able to be dealt with
nowadays (adv.): comparing the present with the past
raw (adj.): in the context, referring to strong and undealth with emotion
dispute (n.): a disagreement or argument
reconciliation (n.): coming together to agree
celebratory (adj.): deserving of happiness and celebration
customary (adj.): what is usually done
per se (adv.): Latin phrase used to show something in relation to a bigger thing or idea, referring to something “by itself” or “in itself”
transfer (v.): to move or shift
oath (n.): a promise to do something or fulfill an obligation
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bridgette Lang is an undergraduate student studying International Relations at Boston University. On campus, she helps run a collegiate Model United Nations Conference and manages finances for BU College Democrats. In her free time, Bridgette enjoys traveling, trying to learn Spanish, and visiting with her friends and family back home in Pennsylvania.