• Exhibit Introduction

• The Prize:
  The Power of the Presidency

• The Candidates:
  Party Conventions

• The Chase:
  Political Campaigning

• The Image:
  Marketing the Candidates

• The Choice:
  Election Day

• The Coronation:
  Inaugurating the President

• Related resources:
  
  • Election results 1900-1944
  • Election results 1948-2000
  • 1948 Election
  • Teacher Lesson Plans

• Back to the
  Truman Library Home Page

THE CORONATION:
Inaugurating the President

For more than two centuries and encompassing more than 40 Presidents, the United States has celebrated the peaceful transfer of power from one Presidential administration to the next. In the oldest democracy in the world, this has been a remarkable achievement.

The Presidential Inauguration symbolizes that peaceful transfer of power. In a day of solemn ritual and colorful celebration, the President affirms his allegiance to the Constitution and his support for the American people.

His Inaugural address sets the tone for his administration, and the Inaugural parade celebrates the nation's unity. A lavish series of Inaugural balls, receptions, programs and other events afford the President's supporters one last chance to celebrate before going to work on the nation's business under a new administration.