The inauguration of Joe Biden as the
46th president of the United States has been
significantly scaled back due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But presidential activities and ceremonies
that we may be used to in the modern era
are not laid out in the U.S. Constitution.
To be sworn in as president,
the Constitution states that he
must be administered the Oath of Office.
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, .., Presidential Oath of Office.
... and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, Presidential Oath of Office.
The chief justice of the Supreme Court usually
administers the oath, but this is not required.
That person needs only to be a judge.
The custom is that the incoming president
places their hand on a Bible,
but this is also merely custom. .
An inaugural address has been given
by every elected president,
but this too is not required.
Some of the most memorable inaugural addresses
were delivered by Presidents Lincoln,
Franklin Roosevelt and Kennedy.
Security at Biden's inauguration is extraordinary
due to the storming of the U.S. Capitol,
with Washington, D.C., on lockdown.
The only other time this has been the case was
during Andrew Johnson's inauguration,
who took office as Lincoln's assassin was still at large.
