Inauguration Day is a pivotal moment in the U.S. political landscape, marking the peaceful transfer of power and the beginning of a new presidential term. For educators, this day offers a unique opportunity to engage students with the history, significance, and traditions surrounding the event. One of the most effective ways to bring this important day to life is through educational videos. 

In this blog post, we'll share Boclips Classroom videos to teach U.S. Inauguration Day that you can incorporate into your lesson plans to enhance student understanding and spark meaningful discussions about democracy, leadership, and American history.

When is Inauguration Day?

Every four years, the newly elected or re-elected president of the United States is inaugurated on January 20th at noon, or on the 21st if the 20th falls on a Sunday. This has been the practice since the presidential inauguration of 1937. Before that, new presidents took office at the beginning of March, leaving four whole months between Election Day and Inauguration Day. 

In the 18th and 19th century, before railroads, cars, and planes made cross-country transportation quick and easy, elected officials needed a lot of time to travel from their homes to their new jobs in Washington DC. However, by the 1930s, lawmakers decided that four months was too long to wait for a new administration. In 1933, they passed the 20th Amendment, which changed the date elected officials take office from March to January.

Wonderscape: Understanding the Twentieth Amendment: The "Lame Duck" Amendment

What is the Inauguration Ceremony Like?

Inauguration day always attracts a big crowd of spectators and often includes cultural festivities like music, poetry, and a ball to recognize the important day. Some of these events are longstanding traditions, such as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court administering the oath of office, while elements like poetry readings are more recent additions. The only part of the inauguration ceremony that the constitution mandates is that the president swears an oath of office. Most presidents have placed one hand on a Bible while swearing their oath of office but some have chosen other documents.

Scripps Media: Inauguration Day Bibles Have Their Own Storied Histories

Inauguration Day for First Families

Inauguration Day marks significant transitions for the country and for the First Family too. Inauguration day is the first day on the job for a new president and the first day in a new house for the president’s family. From redecorating to new chore routines to different types of meals, moving into the White House comes with excitement and some apprehension for First Families.

Weird History: What it is Like to Live in the White House

Learn more about Inauguration Day traditions and history with our Inauguration Day playlist