US Government Info

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Government Info

U.S. Presidential Oath of Office

"... to the best of my ability ..."

By Robert Longley, About.com

Since George Washington first said the words on April 30, 1789, as prompted by Robert Livingston Chancellor of State of New York, every President of the United States has repeated the following simple presidential oath of office as part of the inauguration ceremony:

"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."

The oath is worded and administered in accordance with Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution.

Explore US Government Info

More from About.com

US Government Info

  1. Home
  2. News & Issues
  3. US Government Info
  4. The President and Cabinet
  5. The Inaugural Oath Administered to the President of the United States

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.