Exchangesconnect U.S. Inauguration Quiz

The Twentieth Amendment was ratified on January 23, 1933. This change moved inauguration day from March 4th to January 20th.

William McKinley's inauguration was the first ceremony to be recorded by a motion picture camera. This means that McKinley's inauguration was the first time that a motion picture camera was used to capture the event on film. This technological advancement allowed for the inauguration to be documented and preserved in a new and innovative way.

James Madison, on March 4, 1809, attended the first official Inaugural Ball. On May 7, 1789, one week after the Inauguration of George Washington in New York City, sponsors held a ball to honor the new President. It was not until 1809, however, after the Inauguration of James Madison at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., that the tradition of the Inaugural ball began. This year the Obamas plan to attend ten Inaugural Balls.

Harry Truman was the first President to have his Inauguration televised in 1949.

George Washington, during his second Inauguration said:

“I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. When the occasion proper for it shall arrive, I shall endeavor to express the high sense I entertain of this distinguished honor, and of the confidence which has been reposed in me by the people of united America.

Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: That if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.”

Bill Clinton, in 1997, was the first President to broadcast his inauguration live over the Internet

Typically, when January 20th falls on a Sunday, the President-elect takes the oath privately and repeats with a ceremony on Monday

Franklin D. Roosevelt began the tradition of going to church before taking office. The on exception was the second inauguration of Richard Nixon. He did, however, attend church the next day.

March 4, 1801. Thomas Jefferson, sworn in on March 4th 1801, was the first person to have their Inauguration in Washington, D.C.

James Monroe The ceremony took place on a platform in front of the temporary Brick Capitol (where the Supreme Court now stands).