What did George Washington say in his inauguration speech?

What did George Washington say in his inauguration speech?

He explained that the virtuous Americans would make the new nation a model for the world: “[T]he foundation of our national policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its …

What was George Washington’s oath?

Before the assembled crowd of spectators, Robert Livingston, Chancellor of the State of New York, administered the oath of office prescribed by the Constitution: “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and …

What are the exact words in the oath that the president must take?

Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– 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.

What is the Constitution and why must the president promise to defend it?

The Constitution ensures that there is a balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branch. It also protects individual rights. Without the Constitution, the President might try to take away individual rights or overpower the legislative and judicial branches.]

What does the President say when he is sworn in?

“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.”

Who was the first president to swear an oath on a Sunday?

In 1917 Woodrow Wilson became the first president to swear the oath on a Sunday. He also was the first to swear the oath in the President’s Room at the Capitol in private.

Can a president choose to affirm the oath of office?

The Constitution does allow a president the choice of swearing or affirming the oath of office, but only one president—Franklin Pierce—chose to affirm his oath. It is unclear exactly why Pierce chose to affirm the oath.

Where does the swearing in of a president take place?

Today inaugurations take place in Washington, D.C., on January 20 at the west front of the U.S. Capitol according to a schedule very similar to Washington’s. Though inaugural celebrations may last way past midnight, the swearing-in ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. sharp.

When did Lincoln swear the oath of office?

In 1929, Time magazine reported that the Chief Justice began the oath uttering, “You, Herbert Hoover, do you solemnly swear…” Hoover replied with a simple “I do”. A contemporaneous newspaper account of Lincoln’s 1865 inauguration states that Lincoln appended the phrase “So help me God” to the oath.