The Inauguration of Vice Presidents: A Lesser-Known Ceremony

When it comes to U.S. presidential inaugurations, most of the attention is rightfully focused on the president-elect. The swearing-in of the president on the steps of the Capitol, followed by the inaugural address, is a momentous event that symbolizes the peaceful transfer of power. However, often overlooked in the midst of this historic day is another important ceremony: the inauguration of the vice president. Though it receives far less fanfare, the vice president’s oath of office carries its own traditions and significance that date back centuries.

A Brief History of the Vice Presidential Oath

The Constitution mandates that both the president and vice president take an oath of office before assuming their duties, but it only prescribes the exact wording for the president’s oath. The vice president’s oath, however, is not specified and has been modeled after the oath taken by members of Congress. The current wording, used since 1884, reads:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”

This oath highlights the vice president’s role as a defender of the Constitution, underscoring their responsibilities as both an executive officer and the president of the Senate.

A Ceremony Often Overshadowed

The vice president’s inauguration has typically been a quieter affair, taking place before the president-elect’s swearing-in on Inauguration Day. Historically, the ceremony has been held in various locations within the U.S. Capitol, including the Senate Chamber and the Old Senate Chamber. In modern times, it is often conducted on the same platform where the president will soon take the oath, adding to the day’s continuity.

While the presidential swearing-in is a grand public event with widespread media coverage, the vice presidential oath is usually shorter, simpler, and often goes unnoticed by the public. However, the event holds deep symbolic meaning, as it marks the vice president’s readiness to assume the nation’s highest office, should the need arise.

Notable Moments in Vice Presidential Inaugurations

Although the vice president’s swearing-in ceremony is usually low-key, there have been some historically significant moments:

• Lyndon B. Johnson (1961): Johnson’s inauguration as vice president was notable because it marked the first time the vice president took the oath on the same outdoor platform as the president. This set the precedent for the joint ceremonies we see today.
• Gerald Ford (1973): When Ford was sworn in as vice president after Spiro Agnew’s resignation, his ceremony was not part of the regular inauguration schedule. Instead, it was held in the House Chamber, emphasizing the adaptability of the process in extraordinary situations.
• Kamala Harris (2021): Kamala Harris made history as the first woman, first Black person, and first Asian American to be inaugurated as vice president. Her swearing-in was a groundbreaking moment, watched by millions worldwide, signifying the evolving inclusivity of American politics.

A Ceremony Worth Watching

Although it might not attract the same level of attention as the presidential inauguration, the vice presidential swearing-in is an integral part of Inauguration Day. It is a reminder of the continuity of the U.S. government and the importance of having a capable leader ready to step into the highest office if needed. The ceremony may be brief and understated, but its significance cannot be overstated.

As the nation continues to grow and change, so too does the role of the vice president. The inauguration of a vice president is a ceremony steeped in tradition yet full of potential for historical moments. It may not have the grandeur of the presidential oath, but it serves as a powerful testament to the enduring strength and flexibility of American democracy.