Inauguration Day: The Peaceful Transfer of Power

Since the beginning of the American Revolution, democracy has lived on through the means of elections and the orderly transfer of office. The world was amazed that George Washington would voluntarily give up his role as president and leader of the United States at the end of eight years, setting the precedent for every president until Franklin Roosevelt. Democracy was a very new concept at the end of the 18th century, and Washington did an amazing job of setting the bar high for America. One of the highlights of a presidential election is the Inauguration, held the following year a few months after the election. After Washington's first term, the inauguration date was set for March 4 following an election year. With the rapid progress of technology and communication throughout the late 1800's and into the World War I era, it was decided that the long period between the election and inauguration was no longer necessary, and Franklin D. Roosevelt's second inauguration in 1937 was moved to January 20, the date currently recognized. There have been instances where inaugurations have been moved, especially when the date fell on a Sunday. The 1985 inauguration of Ronald Reagan was moved a day later to January 21 due to extremely cold temperatures and wind chill. The Inauguration is one of the most amazing spectacles throughout the world, as hundreds of thousands of citizens attend the inauguration, parades, and balls that follow. Millions more watch on television or the internet. The ultimate sign of democracy is the outgoing president shaking hands and welcoming the incoming president. Twice in history, both after bitter elections, the incumbent left town and did not stay for their successor's inauguration. John Adams left town on the night of March 3, 1801, after the close election of 1800 and the fact that Thomas Jefferson, the winner in the election, and Adams had become personal enemies. The other time was for Andrew Jackson's inauguration on March 4, 1829, when incumbent and outgoing president John Q. Adams fled the capitol the night before and did not stay on to witness Jackson's triumph. The speech that the new president gives at the inauguration often outlines a new direction in government or promises to pass legislation or govern in a new way than the previous president has. William H. Harrison gave the longest inaugural speech in history, lasting over an hour and a half. George Washington gave the shortest inaugural speech, during his second ceremony in 1793. All in all, the Inauguration every four years in Washington, D.C. is a highlight for many Americans and shows a democracy in work. Items from various inaugurations are very popular and collectible. Many people want to buy items at the inauguration as keep sakes, so there are many different button designs, programs, tickets, music, and other various objects made for inaugurations. I have pictured a lot of the inaugural related items I have, such as buttons, tickets, pennants, music, and programs.