| What's all the fuss about Inauguration Day? Stay ahead of the headlines with these frequently asked questions about the big party in Washington D.C.
Q: What is an inauguration?
 | 
President Bush and his wife Laura walk down Pennsylvania Avenue after Bush was sworn in at his first inauguration in 2001.
|
A: An inauguration is a ceremony in which the new or reelected President officially takes on his role in office. It is held at noon on January 20 after the election. During the inauguration, the new President takes the oath of office from the Chief Justice of the United States, the Supreme Court's top judge. With his right hand raised and left hand on an open Bible, the new President says the oath of office.
President Bush will be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert will administer the oath of office to Vice President Dick Cheney.
Q: What is the oath of office?
A: The oath of office is a promise to carry out the duties of the presidency honestly and faithfully. Every single President throughout history has repeated this oath at his swearing-in ceremony. George W. Bush was sworn in with the same Bible that George Washington used at his inauguration in 1789. (Bush's father also used it at his ceremony 16 years ago.)
These are the words to the oath of office:
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 defend the Constitution of the United States. So help me God.
| 
First Lady Nancy Reagan looks on as President Ronald Reagan is sworn in during ceremonies in 1985.
|
According to the Constitution, the President must take this oath at the inauguration.
Q: Are Presidents always inaugurated on January 20?
A: These days, yes. In 1933, the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution established January 20 as the official day for inaugurating Presidents. Before this change took effect, Presidents usually took the oath of office on March 4.
Q: How many spectators were watching Bush's swearing-in on January 20, 2001?
A: More than half a million people, including members of Congress, the Supreme Court and other top government officials watched the swearing-in ceremony in 2001. That means most people got the best view from watching the ceremony on television in the comfort of their own homes.
Q: What events other than the swearing-in ceremony happen during the inauguration?
A: Some of the most exciting inaugural events include the parade following the swearing-in ceremony and the inaugural balls.
| 
President John Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy arrive for an inaugural ball in 1961.
|
This year, Bush's parade will have 14 floats, 45 marching bands from across the U.S., and representatives from each state. About 10,000 people are expected to participate in this year's inaugural parade, which officials say will last 1 hour and 52 minutes.
To wrap up the inaugural events, committees have planned nine inaugural balls to celebrate Bush's second term as President. Inaugural balls are a tradition. The first official Inaugural ball was held in 1809 for President James Madison.
|
