Lesson plan; What Happens During a Presidential Inauguration?

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the purpose and significance of presidential inaugurations in the United States.
• Analyze traditions and events surrounding Inauguration Day.
• Compare inauguration traditions to other forms of ceremonial inductions.
• Examine how presidential transitions and inaugurations evolve over time, reflecting changes in leadership and societal norms.

Every four years on January 20, a ceremony called an inauguration marks the start of the United States president’s new term. The Constitution requires that the president take the oath of office at noon on this day, and there are many other events and traditions that celebrate the occasion. Watch this episode of Social Studies Shorts to explore what happens on this day and look at interesting moments from past inaugurations, then use the accompanying support materials to encourage classroom engagement. Source: PBS LearningMedia

1. Introduction (Engage)

• Discussion Prompt: Begin the class with the question, “What is the purpose of ceremonies in our lives?” Encourage students to think about various ceremonies (e.g., graduations, inductions).
• Introduce the topic of Presidential Inaugurations as a national ceremony marking a pivotal democratic tradition.
• Share the essential question for the lesson: “How do presidential inaugurations reflect American democracy and tradition, and how might they evolve?”

2. Video Presentation

• Show the PBS LearningMedia episode of Social Studies Shorts on presidential inaugurations.
• After the video, briefly discuss key points and traditions highlighted.

3. Class Discussion (Explain)

Use the following discussion questions to foster engagement and critical thinking:

1. Why do you think the founders wanted presidents to take an oath of office?
2. What are the purposes of the president’s inauguration speech?
3. What is an inauguration? According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it is “an act of inaugurating, especially: a ceremonial induction into office.” Can you think of inaugurations or inductions that happen at your school? Consider different clubs, class officers, etc. How are they similar to and different from presidential inaugurations?
4. The United States Congress traditionally holds an inauguration luncheon in Statuary Hall to honor the president. The food served often reflects the interests or roots of the incoming president. For example:
   • In 1961, Massachusetts-born John F. Kennedy dined on New England boiled stuffed lobster with drawn butter and deviled crabmeat imperial.
   • In 1981, Ronald Reagan, who spent his adult life in California, had a menu that included a California garden salad.
     If you were elected president of the United States, what would be served at your inaugural luncheon to reflect your interests and/or roots?
5. We learned from the video about traditions like the inaugural parade and inaugural balls. What are some other traditions for Inauguration Day? For instance:
   • In 1965, Lady Bird Johnson started the tradition of incoming first ladies participating in the inauguration ceremony by holding the book the president swears in on.
   • In 1977, Jimmy Carter became the first president to get out of his limo and walk down the parade route.
     Can you think of new traditions that you believe should be part of Inauguration Day?
6. How might a president returning for a non-consecutive term, like Donald Trump in 2025, affect traditional inauguration practices?
7. In what ways could increased security measures impact the public’s experience of the inauguration?
8. How do you think the use of social media and technology might influence future inaugurations?

4. Comparative Analysis Activity

Have students work in small groups to compare and contrast elements of recent inaugurations:

• Trump’s 2017 inauguration
• Biden’s 2021 inauguration
• The upcoming 2025 Trump inauguration

Aspects to consider:

• Attendance and security measures
• Use of technology and media coverage
• Ceremonial elements and speeches
• Potential new traditions

5. Wrap-up and Reflection

• Discuss how inaugurations reflect the changing nature of American politics and society.
• Encourage students to share their ideas for potential new traditions that could emerge from future inaugurations.

Extensions and Additional Resources:

• Videos on Presidential Speeches:
  American Rhetoric: Inaugural Addresses
• Interactive Timeline:
  Smithsonian’s Inauguration Day History
• Discussion for Deeper Analysis:
  Debate: “Should presidential inaugurations change to reflect modern trends, or should they remain traditional?”