Jump to content

Inauguration

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Inauguration of U.S. President John F. Kennedy, January 20, 1961

In government and politics, inauguration is the process of swearing a person into office and thus making that person the incumbent. Such an inauguration commonly occurs through a formal ceremony or special event, which may also include an inaugural address by the new official.

The word inauguration stems from the Latin augur, which refers to the rituals of ancient Roman priests seeking to interpret if it was the will of the gods for a public official to be deemed worthy to assume office.[1]

Public office

[edit]

The inaugurations of public figures, especially those of political leaders, often feature lavish ceremonies in which the figure publicly takes their oath of office (sometimes called "swearing in"), often in front of a large crowd of spectators. A monarchical inauguration may take on different forms depending on the nation: they may undergo a coronation rite or may simply be required to take an oath in the presence of a country's legislature.

The "inaugural address" is a speech given during this ceremony which informs the people of their intentions as a leader. A famous inauguration speech is John F. Kennedy's.[2]

Presidential inaugurations

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Oxford Dictionaries' Entry on Inauguration". Oxford Dictionaries. Archived from the original on 6 July 2012.
  2. ^ "Inauguration Day 2021: FBI warn of national protests following Capitol riots". Happy Mag. 13 January 2021. Archived from the original on 13 January 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
[edit]