Explain why inauguration day used to be held on march 4 instead of January 20?

Answer 1

The logistics of travel were very different in the late 18th century. Almost all travel was by horseback, over roads that were rugged in the best of conditions and often impassable in the worst conditions. A period of about a month was needed to assemble the electoral college, and Congress had to meet to approve the results. Elected individuals had to get their affairs in order and travel (often in difficult weather) to the national capital.

While an inauguration was technically possible in late January or in February, the prospect of unexpected delays made a March 4 date more consistently reliable. It was not until 1933 that concerns over Lame Duck presidents and Congresses finally led to January installations and inaugurations.

Answer 2

The original language of the Constitution required Congress, the President and the Vice President to begin their new terms on March 4. In 1789, the lack of paved roads and quick methods of travel made this provision a practical necessity. This meant that Presidents and congressmen who had been defeated or had decided not to seek re-election in November of the previous year continued in office for four months. These officials became known as lame ducks. They were frequently criticized for their failure to accomplish anything productive from November to March or for approving self-serving bills before their terms expired. Problems were also likely to remain unsolved because of a gap in power and authority. For instance, President Franklin Roosevelt had to wait four months before he could begin to deal with the effects of the Great Depression. In the meantime, improvements in transportation and communication removed the need for this extended delay. In 1933, the waiting period was shortened by the ratification of the Twentieth Amendment. The main provision of the amendment ended the terms of Presidents and Vice Presidents at noon on January 20. The terms of one-third of the senators and all representatives conclude at noon on January 3 in years ending in odd numbers. This change has enabled the federal government to make a quicker and more efficient shift in power.