Inauguration 2009
44th President of the United States
On January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became the United States' first African-American president.
eJournal USA: U.S. Presidential Transitions
We often read or hear about turmoil before, during, or after elections around the world. An important characteristic of democracy in the United States, however, is the regularly recurring peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. Americans know when the next presidential election will take place – the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years. And power will be transferred to the newly elected (or re-elected) president on January 20 of the following year.
eJournal USA: Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States
Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden.
Bio: Barack Obama - An American Life (America.gov)
The following is excerpted from the U.S. Department of State publication Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States.
Barack Obama’s unique biography and successful campaign for the U.S. presidency have opened a new chapter in U.S. politics.
Bio: Barack Obama (change.gov)
Photo Gallery: Historical Inaugurations
"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." This is the oath taken by every president of the United States.
Photo Gallery: A Calendar of Inaugural Events
Barack Obama’s journey from candidate to president-elect to the 44th president of the United States involves many steps, some legally mandated and some merely traditional.
Road to the White House (America.gov, 12 January 2009)
Army Sergeant Derrick Brooks stands in for Barack Obama during an inauguration rehearsal.
Obama Inauguration Will Honor Black Civil War Volunteers (America.gov, 06 January 2009)
Washington’s African-American Civil War Memorial honors the conflict’s 209,145 black Union veterans.
USG WEB SITES
Change.gov: Office of the President-Elect
America.gov: Transition - Forming the Next Government
White House Transition page
Official Inauguration web site (Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies)
GAO Web site: Serving the Congress and the Nation