Second inauguration of Andrew Jackson (March 4, 1833)

Participants and constitutional formalities

Andrew Jackson took the presidential oath of office before Chief Justice John Marshall, who administered the oath in his capacity as head of the Supreme Court. Jackson's second-term inauguration also confirmed the vice presidency of Martin Van Buren, who served as Vice President for Jackson's second term before later becoming president himself. Contemporary notices and later historical summaries provide context and timelines; see a general inauguration overview and biographical references on Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

Setting and ceremonial notes

The ceremony's location in the House chamber followed earlier practices of holding formal inaugurations inside the Capitol when circumstances called for it. Jackson's second inauguration was notable for a number of social elements: it was the first time two inaugural balls were organized to celebrate the event, reflecting the growth of public ceremony around presidential transitions. In addition to the oath and formal addresses, the day included receptions and public gatherings; contemporary descriptions of the vice presidency are available at vice presidential records.

Historical context and significance

Jackson's second inauguration occurred soon after his re-election in 1832 and at a time when the nation debated major policy questions such as federal authority and economic policy. The ceremony itself is remembered less for a long inaugural address than for its role as a public ritual that signaled continuity of authority and the transfer of responsibilities to the new term. Chief Justice John Marshall's role in administering the oath is one of the recorded ceremonial details; more on his judicial service can be found at John Marshall.

Notable facts

• Location: House chamber of the U.S. Capitol.
• Date: Monday, March 4, 1833.
• President sworn in: Andrew Jackson, beginning his second term.
• Vice President: Martin Van Buren (his only term as Jackson's VP).
• Oath administered by: Chief Justice John Marshall.
• Ceremonial first: two inaugural balls were held to celebrate the occasion.

Taken together, these elements place the 1833 inauguration in the broader story of how early American inaugurations evolved from private constitutional acts into public national ceremonies with social as well as political significance.