Inauguration Day January 20

Every four years on the 20th of January at 11:59:59 a former president is replaced by a newly elected president.  This person takes the “Oath of Office” given by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.  Sometimes the next President is the same as the first.  Let this not taint our celebration, but amplify our resolve to enjoy not one, but two smoothies.

The United States Constitution outlines the election and installment of the President primarily in two sections:

1. Article II, Section 1: This section establishes the framework for the election of the President and Vice President. It sets out the qualifications for candidacy, the role of electors (which forms the basis of the Electoral College system), and the procedure to be followed if no candidate receives a majority in the Electoral College. It also stipulates the oath of office that the President must take before assuming duties. The original text of Article II, Section 1 has been modified by several amendments, notably the 12th, 20th, 22nd, and 25th Amendments.
   • 12th Amendment (1804): Modified the procedures for electing the President and Vice President, requiring separate votes for each office in the Electoral College.
   • 20th Amendment (1933): Changed the start date of presidential and congressional terms, setting January 20th as Inauguration Day.
   • 22nd Amendment (1951): Set a limit of two terms for a President.
   • 25th Amendment (1967): Provided procedures for presidential succession and filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President.
2. Article I, Section 4 and the 12th Amendment: Article I, Section 4 grants Congress the power to determine the time of choosing electors and the day on which they shall give their votes, which must be the same throughout the United States. The 12th Amendment, as mentioned above, revised the process of the Electoral College and how the President and Vice President are elected.

These sections, along with the relevant amendments, form the constitutional basis for the entire process of electing and installing the President of the United States.

A single smoothie celebrating Inauguration Day seems a bit simplistic and without veritas – denoting the importance of truthfulness, transparency, and integrity.

So, let’s bring two separate smoothie recipes to the floor to celebrate each Article, Section, and associated amendments that fortified the Constitution and the inauguration of the President.

Both smoothies offer a blend of flavors and nutrients that reflect the principles and functions of the respective articles of the Constitution. They’re not only symbolic but also healthy, providing a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.