US Presidents Flashcards
What is Inauguration Day?
The day the president of the United States takes the oath of office and begins a new presidential term.
What does the oath of office include?
“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.”
On what date did Inauguration Day originally occur?
March 4th.
What was the reason for the March 4th Inauguration Day?
To allow ample time between the electoral college voting and for the incoming president to assemble a cabinet and get to Washington.
When did the first presidential inauguration take place?
April 30, 1789.
Where was the first presidential inauguration held?
New York City, on the balcony of Federal Hall.
What tradition did George Washington start during his inauguration?
Putting his hand on a bible when taking the oath of office.
Which passage was read from the bible used by Washington during his inauguration?
Genesis 47.
Which presidents used the same bible as Washington during their inaugurations?
- Warren Harding
- Dwight Eisenhower
- Jimmy Carter
- George H. W. Bush
Is there a legal requirement for the use of a bible during the oath of office?
No, it is just tradition.
Who was the only president to use the word ‘affirm’ instead of ‘swear’ in the presidential oath?
Franklin Pierce.
What phrase did George Washington ad-lib at the end of the oath?
…so help me God.
True or False: All presidents have retaken the oath when they flubbed it.
False.
Who was the first president to have the oath administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?
John Adams.
What was the significance of the 20th amendment regarding Inauguration Day?
It changed the inauguration date to January 20th.
Who was the first president inaugurated on January 20th?
Franklin Roosevelt during his second inauguration in 1937.
What was the warmest temperature recorded during an inauguration?
55°F or 13°C during Ronald Reagan’s first inauguration.
What was the coldest temperature during an inauguration?
7°F or -14°C during Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration.
What was the first televised inauguration?
Harry Truman in 1949.
What tradition began in 1965 during inaugurations?
The First Lady holding the bible.
How many presidential inaugurations have occurred over the past 232 years?
59 presidential inaugurations.
Fill in the blank: The first automobile travel to the capitol for an inauguration occurred in _______.
1921.
What was the Corrupt Bargain of 1825?
Supposedly resolved the election of 1824 by making John Quincy Adams president after a contested vote
Jackson won a plurality but not a majority, leading to a House decision.
Who were the main candidates in the election of 1824?
- John Quincy Adams
- Andrew Jackson
- Henry Clay
- William Crawford
