This Week In American History: In America the president of the United States is inaugurated every four years on January 20th. However, the original dates for presidential inaugurations: March 4th. It wasn’t until the second inauguration of President Roosevelt the date changed to January 20th. Now Inauguration Day is January 20th and the president’s term of office officially begins on noon of that date.
George Washington’s First Inauguration
Initially scheduled for March 4, 1789, bad weather prevented George Washington’s inauguration. In fact, the date and location of the moment where Washington became America’s first president? April 30, 1789 in New York City, New York.
The Twentieth Amendment
The original Constitution failed to specify a day the president would assume office. Rather, Congress decided the matter. After Washington’s second inauguration took place on March 4th, all subsequent presidential inaugurations took place on that day. In 1933, the Twentieth Amendment passed. This officially moved Inauguration Day to January 20th. Under the Twentieth Amendment, President Roosevelt had his second inauguration.
Celebrations Surrounding March 4th and January 20th
Regardless of the day Inauguration Day falls on, over the years those involved in the day established a similar pattern of celebratory activities. Around noon, the Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court swears the president in at the Capitol. Afterwards, the president delivers an inaugural address, followed by a parade through Washington D.C. The evening comes to a close with gala festivities.
America’s Most Recent President and Vice President
On January 20, 2021 Joseph Biden (Joe Biden) was inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States. Meanwhile, his vice president, Kamala Harris, is the first female vice president of our country.
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Info Source: TimeandDate.com, Loc.gov, and UAGrantham.edu
Photo Source: AdobeStock
