Understanding the Change in U.S. Presidential Inauguration Dates
Donald Trump is set to be inaugurated as the President of the United States on January 20, during a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C. However, this was not always the case. For over a century, presidential inaugurations were traditionally held on March 4. This date was established by a resolution passed in September 1788 by the final Congress operating under the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first Constitution of the United States prior to the current one.
The resolution stipulated that presidential elections would take place on the first Wednesday of February 1789, with the new Congress convening on the first Wednesday of March of that same year, specifically March 4, according to the U.S. National Archives.
This practice continued until 1933, when the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on January 23, changing the inauguration date to January 20. Since the new date had already passed for that year, Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated on March 4, becoming the last president to take the oath of office on that date. He was also the first president to be inaugurated on January 20, marking the beginning of a new tradition when he was re-elected in 1937.
Interestingly, the first presidential inauguration in U.S. history, that of George Washington, took place on April 30, 1789. The delay was due to severe winter weather and logistical challenges that hindered travel, as there were no cars or planes at that time. The inclement weather contributed to difficulties in assembling a quorum in Congress to certify the president, which was only achieved on April 6, as noted by the National Archives.
There were also instances when March 4 fell on a Sunday, specifically in 1821, 1849, 1877, and 1917. In these cases, the inauguration ceremonies were postponed to the following day, March 5.
This historical context provides insight into the evolution of presidential transition practices in the United States, reflecting the changes in governance and the need for a more streamlined process. As the nation continues to grow and adapt, the significance of the inauguration day remains a vital aspect of American democracy.