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The Presidential Oath of Office

The text of Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 that contains the Presidential Oath of Office and corresponding comprehension questions.

The Presidential Oath of Office  

  • I can explain the role of the President of the United States according to the Constitution.

Essential Vocabulary:

  • Inauguration: ceremony marking the beginning of a new presidential term
  • ​​Oath​: a solemn attestation of the truth or integrity of one’s words
  • ​​Office​: a special duty, charge, or position conferred by an exercise of governmental authority and for a public purpose
  • President-elect: citizen elected to the office of president before they have been sworn in
  • Execution: fulfilling the requirements of a role

Building Context 

The Presidential Oath of Office is the only element of the presidential inauguration required by the Constitution. Since George Washington took the oath in 1789, all presidential terms begin with this same sentence and transform a citizen into the head of the executive branch. The oath represents the peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. At the time of the Founding, such a peaceful transition of power from one elected official to another was unusual in world history.

The president takes the oath of office in a formal ceremony, usually in a public place, surrounded by representatives of all three branches of government. The oath is usually administered by the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

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Caption: George Washington taking the Presidential Oath of Office

Article II, Section 1, Clause 8 

Before he [the President-elect] enters on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—“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.”

Comprehension and Analysis Questions: 

  1. Does anything surprise you about this oath?
  2. According to this oath, what is the job of the president?
  3. Why do the president—and other officials—pledge an oath to the Constitution?