Presidential Oath Essay

I Do Solemnly Swear
Every four years, the president of the United States utters the words “I do solemnly swear...” as he swears in to the most revered office of the United States. With these words he takes on all the responsibilities of arguably the most powerful individual in the world. Although the traditions surrounding the inauguration of the president United States have evolved over the years, the exact wording of the Presidential oath of office was written into the Constitution at the beginning. Presidential inauguration ceremonies include several traditions not mandated by the Constitution. Of particular importance are two: swearing in on the Bible and including the words “so help me God” at the end of the presidential oath. Some would
argue that these traditions violate Article VI, clause 3 of the Constitution: “...but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” If there can be no religious test, why should a president have to swear in on a Bible with the words “so help me God” in order to take office? An answer is that each of these traditions are technically voluntary. If a candidate truly wished to swear in on the Koran, it would not be considered unconstitutional because the text does not require it. Though omitting these would certainly attract attention, they are not technically mandatory the way a religious test would be.
The wording of the oath itself is very important and offers insight into the president’s position. Article 2, section 1, clause 8 of the Constitution reads: “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation: - ”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.” Notice that the president does not vow to “preserve, protect, and defend” the States or even the people of the United States. He vows to protect the Constitution. Far too often, it appears that presidents are at odds with the Constitution, constantly restrained from accomplishing reforms by this sacred document. Also, presidents can be under pressure to please the people of the United States, particularly if they wish to be reelected, but also simply because he owes his election to the people’s votes. Yet, the oath he takes demands that his loyalty be to the Constitution, even amidst dissenting popular opinion. The Framers, at the advice of the Committee of Style, made two alterations to the previous draft of this clause of the Constitution to make it what it is today. The first is not part of the oath itself. The text would have read “Before he enter the duties of his department…” instead of “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office.” First of all, this may have simply been a style adjustment as the latter wording certainly is more sophisticated. However, it also makes the president’s position more sophisticated, in a way. Although the meanings of “duties” and “execution” are essentially the same here, the word “execution” reflects the president’s executive power and reminds us of the authority that he has.
In addition, the previous draft of this clause did not include the word “Ability,” and instead would have read, “...and will to the best of my judgment and power….” Thus, the framers moved to consolidate the words judgment and power into one general term: “Ability.” This change is also interesting to contemplate. Judgment refers to the president’s mental capacity, that is, his wisdom, conscience, reasoning, etc., while “power” refers to the authority and powers vested in him as president. He essentially promises to use judgment he possesses as well as the powers he has been given for the good of the country. In contrast, the word “Ability” very generally refers to what he is capable of. In one sense, this word excuses the president when he falls short; he can always say that he “tried his best.” However, it also holds him to an utterly high standard; It requires of him everything he has, including his judgment and power. We do not know why the framers made these changes, but they are interesting to consider.
In Robert F.
Blomquist’s article, “The Presidential Oath, the American National Interest and a Call for Presiprudence,” he devotes a section to exploring what presidents have said about the oath in their inaugural speeches. During his second inaugural speech, George Washington spoke these words: “This oath I am now about to take, and in your presence: that if it shall be found during my administration of the Government I have in any instance violated willingly or knowingly the injunctions thereof, I may (besides incurring constitutional punishment) be subject to the upbraidings of all who are now witnesses of the present solemn ceremony.” Our first president acknowledged that he was held accountable by and to this oath, and was subject to legal punishment as well as public ridicule if he were to violate it. Thomas Jefferson took an equally sober position in his 1801 inaugural speech when he said that he availed himself to “declare a sincere consciousness that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments which the greatness of the change and the weakness of my powers so justly inspire.” Jefferson’s humility while taking this office is astounding. Have we lost the respect that the Founding Fathers had for the executive office? Jefferson shows a reverence appropriate for the great responsibility of the chief executive of this
country.
It becomes clear as one studies the history of the United States Constitution that a great amount of thought, and even debate, was involved in its framing. To be sure, there are flaws in the Constitution and there were things the Framers could not possibly have foreseen. However, the Constitution’s rich history, before and after its ratification, as well as the humble words of presidents whose respect for the office they took, should evoke honor for the Constitution. We would do well to remember that the existence of several flaws in the Constitution does not change the high position of honor that it deserves.