Inauguration
An inauguration is a formal ceremony to mark the beginning of something such as a president's term of office and a ceremony in which the president officially takes the oath of office.
The most common usage of the term is in the context of a formal investiture whereby an individual assumes an office or position of authority or power. The term is usually used in reference to a politician's assumption of the duties of head of state or head of government (e.g. the President's inauguration). An "inaugural address" is the presidential speech given at this ceremony which informs the people of his intentions as a leader.
Political inaugurations often feature lavish ceremonies, in which the politician publicly takes his or her oath of office in front of a large crowd of spectators. The equivalent ceremony in another jurisdiction may be called a "swearing-in". A monarchical inauguration is similar to what in another jurisdiction may be called a coronation or enthronement.
Other than personal inaugurations, the term can also refer to the official opening or beginning of an institution or structure, for example the inauguration of a new Canada–United States border crossing.
State and religious leaders who are inaugurated
- King of Spain
- German Chancellor
- The Pope
- President of the French Republic
- President of Ireland—11 November, unless term of predecessor shortened by death, resignation or removal from office
- President of the United States—January 20, following an election year (or instantly in case of the preceding President's death, resignation, or removal from office at cause)
- Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico - January 2
- Prime Minister of Canada - two weeks after the general elections or the political party leadership election that made him or her Prime Minister.
- Monarchy of the Netherlands
- President of Russian Federation
- President of Argentina
- President of Mexico - December 1 of election year (every 6 years since 1934)
- President of Brazil—January 1, since 1995, unless term of predecessor shortened by death, resignation or removal from office
- President of Indonesia—October 20, since 1999 following the inauguration of Abdurrahman Wahid as president (or instantly in case of the preciding President's death, resignation, or removal of office)
- President of Italy
- President of the Philippines—June 30, following the general elections (or instantly in case of the preceding President's death, resignation, or removal from office)
- President of Serbia
See also
External links
- Gaelic Inauguration
- Top 5:Inauguration Incidents from Apoliticus.com: http://www.apoliticus.com/2009/01/top-5-inauguration-incidents/
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