Old Inauguration Day 2024 (US): Every year on March 4, people celebrate Old Inauguration Day to remember the occasions that led to the Constitution’s requirement that the president-elect and newly elected senators have a newly defined inauguration date. Commemorated for its amendment, the “Twentieth Amendment” shifted the commencement and conclusion of presidential and vice presidential mandates from March 4 to January 20, and that of members of Congress from March 4 to January 3. The ratification of the “Twentieth Amendment” in 1933 encompassed provisions about the course of action in the absence of a presidential candidate.
The History of Old Inauguration Day
Old Inauguration Day honors the occasions that led to the Constitutionally required definition of a new inauguration date for senators and president-elects in the United States. The name of the holiday alludes to the date of inaugural addresses before the ratification of the “Twentieth Amendment” to the Constitution, which was altered from March 4 to January 20. Numerous factors historically motivated the ratification of the “Twentieth Amendment” to the Constitution.
Before that, it is to provide sufficient time for the president-elect to relocate to the nation’s capital. However, its primary purpose was to ensure that in the event of a deadlock in the Electoral College concerning the presidential or vice-presidential elections, a contingent election would be held by the incoming Congress as opposed to the departing one. The amendment to the constitution shifted the commencement and conclusion of the terms of members of Congress from January 4 to January 3, and the terms of the president and vice president from March 4 to January 20.
Its 1933 ratification also incorporated provisions for the circumstances that arise in the absence of a preselected president. The amendment, which was given the moniker “Lame Duck Amendment” because it resulted in the departure of an outgoing official from power during transition periods, is one of only a smattering of instances in American history where the inauguration of a new president was altered. The election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1937 signifies the inaugural observance of January 20, a date that was only recently incorporated into the Constitution.
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Old Inauguration Day 2024 (US) FAQs
What caused the initial inauguration date to be altered?
As a result of the ratification of the “Twentieth Amendment” to the Constitution, the date was altered. Its purpose, following its inception, was to provide the president-elect with sufficient time to relocate to the capital of the country. Changes were also made to shorten the duration until the next congress.
Why is Old Inauguration Day observed?
To memorialize the date of inaugural ceremonies before the “Twentieth Amendment” to the Constitution, which changed March 4 to January 20, this day is known as “Old Inauguration Day.”
How can Old Inauguration Day be observed?
Acquire knowledge of American history to observe Old Inauguration Day. To observe the architectural transformations of former inauguration centers such as the historic ‘Congress Hall’ in Philadelphia and ‘Federal Hall’ in New York, you may also pay a visit to such sites.
How to Observe the Day of Old Inauguration
Study the history of the United States.
Engaging in scholarly discourse about the historical developments that encircled the United States’ elections constitutes a commendable approach to commemorating Old Inauguration Day. YouTube also features archival inaugurations, which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the proceedings.
Explore historic inauguration sites
An enjoyable way to commemorate and observe Old Inauguration Day is to explore the structures that once housed the nation’s capital in states that were formerly the inauguration sites. The two principal locations are the historic “Congress Hall” in Philadelphia and “Federal Hall” in New York.
Motivate individuals to celebrate via social media.
Initiate discussions on social media platforms to motivate individuals to engage in the observance of Old Inauguration Day. Utilize the hashtag #OldInaugurationDay to monitor the progress of your Kickstarter campaign. One never knows, you might even become a holiday trend.
OLD INAUGURATION DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | March 4 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 4 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 4 | Thursday |
| 2028 | March 4 | Saturday |
