The Significance of January 3: Swearing in the New Congress
(Happy Holidays! Welcome back to Common Sense Civics and Citizenship, where I am answering a few of your questions today. Let’s get started).
Why is the new Congress (119th Congress) sworn in on January 3? What is so special about that day?
The Twentieth Amendment, clause 2, states: “The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3rd day of January unless they shall by law appoint a different day.”
The short answer is that the Constitution says the new Congress must assemble once every year beginning at noon on January 3, unless Congress, by constitutional amendment, changes the date. So, the new 119th Congress will be sworn in on January 3, 2025. The entire House of Representatives will be sworn in, as they are elected every two years. One-third of the recently elected Senate will also be sworn in on that day.
Keep in mind, We the People run the government. Therefore, our constitutionally elected Congress should take their seats before the President is sworn in on January 20.
The Significance of January 20, Inauguration Day
Why don’t we move up the date to swear in the next President? See the above answer. Interesting fact: The original Inauguration Day was held on March 4 under the Articles of Confederation. The weather in Washington can be pretty dicey in winter, especially for horse and buggy travel. Plus, with no modern transportation or technologies, it took time for a new administration to prepare. In 1933, the Twentieth Amendment was ratified, setting January 20 as Inauguration Day.
The Significance of the President-Elect’s Role in a Transition Period
At a holiday gathering, a relative asked me if a President-Elect could conduct official business between election day and inauguration day. The answer is no. The United States has only one President at a time. A President-Elect can lay out the vision for four years, give speeches, and discuss matters. Still, until the new Congress and the President-Elect are sworn in, only the current Congress and President can legally conduct official business.
The Significance of Our Voice
Our Constitution ensures the orderly transition of power. That’s why we need to understand the law and framework that guide our nation. Additionally, it’s interesting to follow along, as our voice remains paramount in our government.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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