1. Presidential Inaugurations

2. George Washington Federalists wanted him to: Wear a gold suit
Wear a wreath of laurel leaves
Ride a white horses
But Washington:
Wore a brown, homespun suit
Wore brass buttons
Rode a cream colored horse

3. The U.S. Constitution
Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:-” I do solemly swear (of 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
Article II, Section 1

4. George Washington- 1st Inauguration
Wanted the event to be held out of doors so more people could attend
Added, “So help me God” to the official Oath of office.
Washington kissed the Bible.
He used fireworks to celebrate his inauguration.
He had an inaugural in May to celebrate his inauguration.

5. Inaugural Ceremonies and Souvenirs
Grover Cleveland- 1885
Andrew Jackson -1829

6. Jimmy Carter- 1977
Abraham Lincoln- 1865

7. James Buchanan- 1857

8. Thomas Jefferson-
1801

9. John F. Kennedy- 1961 Handwritten copy of JFK’s inaugural address.
Theodore Roosevelt- 1901

10. Robert Frost’s poem,
The Gift Outright
John F. Kennedy- 1961

11. George W. Bush- 2000
How have inaugurations changed over time?
How has technology made citizen participation easier?
To what extent do the inaugural ceremonies reflect the style and values of the administration?

12. Barack Obama
Websites with information regarding Presidential Inaugurations:
Official Inauguration website
Planned Events, etc.
Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies- Great links to history, an inaugural quiz, and events.
Great history links.
Library of Congress
Modern Inaugurations