Photo shows President John F. Kennedy being sworn in on Jan. 20, 1961.
1. Why does the President have to use a bible to take the oath?
The President doesn't have to use a bible. In fact, the President doesn't have to use the words, "so help me God." But all presidents since Theodore Roosevelt have used a bible in their swearing in.
2. Which hand goes on the bible? The left hand does
3. Why is the other hand raised in the air? It signifies "affirmation", as in raising your hand to agree with something.
4. What kind of bible do they use? Whose bible is it, and does the new President get to keep it? President Barack Obama is using the bible that President Abraham Lincoln used. It will be returned to the Library of Congress after the ceremony and be part of an exhibit there this February.
5. Will the President be on a stage?
Yes, he will be on a platform erected for the event.
6. Who swears in the president? Chief Justice of the United States, The Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr. will do the swearing in.
7. Where does the Inauguration take place? Outside the United States Capitol building.
8. What does the oath say? I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. ( they also traditionally add "so help me God.")
9. Why is it always on January 20th? Until 1937, Inauguration Day was March 4. Since then, Inauguration Day has occurred on January 20 (the 1933 ratification of the Twentieth Amendment changed the start date of the term).
Research by Jessica Meservey
Eagle Times staff reporter
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