The precise time of the Constitution and the date of the presidential inauguration – NBC Chicago

President-elect Donald Trump will return to the White House later this month, but some Americans may not know that there is a specific time when this transition of power will take place.

Most Americans know that Inauguration Day is January 20, but the technical moment in which power passes from the former president to the new leader is actually written into the U.S. Constitution.

Here’s what you need to know.

When is the new president inaugurated?

In accordance with the provisions of 20^th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the new president officially takes office on January 20, unless that date falls on a Sunday. In this situation, the inauguration would take place on January 21.

This year’s inauguration is scheduled for its traditional date of January 20.

Before the passage of the 20th Amendment, the new president took office on March 4.

Is there a specific time when the new president takes office?

While many Americans may think that the new president only takes office when he or she is officially sworn in, that ceremonial moment is not technically when the Oval Office has a new occupant.

According to the 20^th Amendment, the new president officially takes office at noon sharp on Inauguration Day, whether sworn in or not.

Typically, efforts are made to ensure the oath of office is administered as close to noon as possible, but the new president officially takes the reins at noon Eastern Time.

Are there any exceptions to this law?

Under the amendment, if no president has been chosen by noon on Jan. 20, the sitting vice president will become acting president until a new leader is chosen.

Trump was officially certified as the next president during a joint session of Congress on Jan. 6, another procedure codified in U.S. law.

What else is happening on Inauguration Day?

In addition to the President taking office, the Vice President also takes the oath of office and becomes Vice President on January 20 at noon.

The new president traditionally delivers an inaugural address at the Capitol after being sworn in, with the public invited to watch the transfer of power ceremony.

After the ceremony, the new president typically attends a series of inaugural events throughout the capital, including lavish balls and dances.

The ceremony and events surrounding it are organized by various organizations, according to federal officials.