United States presidential inauguration facts for kids

In the United States, the inauguration of the president is a special day when a new president-elect officially becomes the President. On this day, the new president takes an official oath. This oath is a promise to do their best to be a good leader for the country. Before 1933, this important day was always on March 4. But now, it takes place on January 20.

What is a Presidential Inauguration?

A presidential inauguration is a formal ceremony. It marks the start of a new four-year term for the President of the United States. It happens after a presidential election. The main part of the ceremony is when the president-elect takes the Oath of Office. This oath is required by the U.S. Constitution.

When Does the Inauguration Happen?

The inauguration ceremony takes place on January 20. This date was set by the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. If January 20 falls on a Sunday, the public ceremony is usually held on Monday, January 21. However, the president still takes the oath privately on Sunday.

Where Does the Ceremony Take Place?

The main inauguration ceremony usually happens at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This is where the U.S. Congress meets. The president takes the oath on the West Front of the Capitol. This area faces the National Mall, a large open park. Many people gather there to watch the event.

The Oath of Office

The most important part of the inauguration is the Oath of Office. The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court usually gives the oath. The president-elect places one hand on a Bible and raises the other. Then, they repeat these words: "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." This promise shows their commitment to lead the country fairly and protect its laws.

The Inaugural Address

After taking the oath, the new president gives a speech. This speech is called the inaugural address. In this speech, the president talks about their plans and hopes for the country. They often share their vision for the future. It's a chance for the president to speak to all Americans.

Inauguration Day Traditions

Inauguration Day is filled with many traditions. These events make the day special and memorable.

The Inaugural Parade

After the ceremony at the Capitol, there is an inaugural parade. The new president and vice president lead the parade. It travels down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. Marching bands, military groups, and other organizations participate. Thousands of people line the streets to watch.

Inaugural Balls

In the evening, several inaugural balls are held. These are fancy parties that celebrate the new presidency. The president and first lady often attend many of these balls. It's a festive way to end the day's events.

Other Events

Other events on Inauguration Day might include:

• A church service in the morning.
• A luncheon at the Capitol after the oath.
• A National Prayer Service the day after the inauguration.

These traditions have been part of U.S. history for a long time. They help mark the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next.

Images for kids

• 

  Presidential inauguration at the western front of the U.S. Capitol facing the National Mall (site since Reagan in 1981) – Barack Obama, January 20, 2009

• 

  Inauguration Day, January 20, 2005: President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush lead the inaugural parade from the Capitol, down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House

• 

  President Reagan is sworn in "privately" on television, January 20, 1985

• 

  Inauguration platform under construction for Woodrow Wilson's first inauguration in 1913

• 

  The Reverend Donn Moomaw delivers the invocation at the first inauguration of Ronald Reagan, 1981.

• 

  Maya Angelou delivering her poem "On the Pulse of Morning" at Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993

• 

  Barack Obama's 2009 inaugural luncheon

• 

  The Inaugural Parade on Pennsylvania Avenue passes the presidential reviewing stand in front of the White House in March 1881.

• 

  Grandstand ticket to the Inaugural Parade for President Herbert Hoover, March 4, 1929

• 

  Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and Jill Biden at the 2013 National Prayer Service

• 

  A U.S. Customs and Border Protection boat patrolling the waterways around Washington, D.C. prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump

• 

  A presidential medal from the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt in 1905

See also

In Spanish: Investidura presidencial de Estados Unidos para niños