1) Source:
Barack Obama Oath of Office / Sworn In - President Obama: The Inauguration - BBC New, September, 10 2010
2) Constitutional Connection:
Article 2, Section 1, Clause 8
-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."
3) Explanation of Connection:
This video shows Obama taking his oath in office, promising to preserve the constitution and complete his duties as much as possible for as long as he is president. The Inauguration used to be on March 4th, but under the twentieth amendment, the inauguration date was moved to January 20th. On this day, year 2009, Barack Obama was sworn into the office by The Chief Justice- John Roberts. The inauguration celebrations last ten days- from five days before it happens, to five days after.
This video demonstrates Article II, Section 1, Clause 8. Before the president can take his position at the office, he has to be sworn in by the Chief of Justice. This is to make sure that the president keeps his word and faithfully serves his term at office in an attempt to improve the well being of the United States citizens. This is also a legal thing, and probably for the media.
If the president wasn't sworn into the office, there would be no assurance to the people that the president would make an honest attempt to serve the country. This is like what is done in court- they make you swear an oath to be truthful, and if you don't, they could hold it against you. This procedure has been done since there was a first president. George Washington was sworn into office, and every president has done the same since then.I think that the Inauguration is mainly for the media. The president could just be sworn in anywhere of his choosing, but they do it while most of the nation is watching.
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