Presidential Inauguration

On January 20, 2009 marked the 56th presidential inauguration with Barack Obama taking the oath of office that officially began his first term as president of the United States. The history of presidential inaugurations can be traced back to that of George Washington on April 30, 1789. However, much has changed from that first administration of the presidential oath of office. Following is a step-by-step look at what happens during a presidential inauguration.