What Is 2nd inauguration of Calvin Coolidge

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The second inauguration of Calvin Coolidge took place on March 4, 1925, marking the beginning of his second full term as the 30th President of the United States. It was a formal public ceremony held on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., following his landslide victory in the 1924 presidential election.

Key Facts

Calvin Coolidge's second inauguration occurred on March 4, 1925.
He won the 1924 election with 382 electoral votes.
Coolidge defeated Democrat John W. Davis and Progressive Robert M. La Follette.
The inauguration was held on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol.
Coolidge was sworn in by Chief Justice William Howard Taft.

Overview

The second inauguration of Calvin Coolidge marked the commencement of his second term as President of the United States. Held on March 4, 1925, it followed his decisive victory in the 1924 presidential election, where he secured a strong majority of both the popular and electoral votes.

This inauguration was a formal public event that reflected the political stability and conservative values of the era. As the 30th president, Coolidge's swearing-in emphasized continuity and economic prosperity during the Roaring Twenties.

March 4, 1925 was the official date of Coolidge’s second inauguration, a traditional date before the 20th Amendment changed inauguration timing.
Coolidge won 382 of 531 electoral votes in the 1924 election, defeating both Democratic and Progressive challengers.
The ceremony was held on the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, a location commonly used for presidential inaugurations.
Chief Justice William Howard Taft, a former U.S. president, administered the oath of office, a rare historical moment.
This inauguration marked the first time a president was sworn in while being photographed and filmed with sound-on-film technology.

How It Works

The second inauguration of a U.S. president is a constitutional and ceremonial event that formalizes the start of a second term in office. It follows the same legal and procedural framework as any presidential inauguration, including the swearing-in, inaugural address, and public celebrations.

Term: A presidential term lasts four years, and the second inauguration signifies the beginning of a second consecutive term. The 20th Amendment later changed the start date to January 20, but in 1925, it remained March 4.
The Oath of Office is administered by the Chief Justice of the United States, as required by Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution.
The president takes the oath on a Bible or other meaningful text, though Coolidge used his family Bible during the ceremony.
The inaugural address outlines the president’s vision and policy goals; Coolidge emphasized limited government and fiscal responsibility.
Following the oath, a parade and public festivities traditionally occur, showcasing military units and civic groups from across the nation.
Security and logistics are managed by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, established in 1901 to coordinate events.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Coolidge’s second inauguration compares to other presidential second terms in history:

President	Second Inauguration Date	Chief Justice	Electoral Vote Count	Notable Fact
Calvin Coolidge	March 4, 1925	William Howard Taft	382	First filmed inauguration with sound
Franklin D. Roosevelt	January 20, 1937	Charles Evans Hughes	523	First under 20th Amendment
Barack Obama	January 20, 2013	John G. Roberts	332	First African American president’s second term
Ronald Reagan	January 21, 1985	Warren E. Burger	525	Coldest inauguration day on record
George W. Bush	January 20, 2005	William H. Rehnquist	286	Post-9/11 security measures heightened

While Coolidge’s inauguration followed traditional protocols, it was notable for its early use of audio-visual media. Unlike later inaugurations, which shifted to January due to the 20th Amendment, Coolidge’s ceremony adhered to the old March date, symbolizing a transitional period in American political tradition.

Why It Matters

Coolidge’s second inauguration was more than a ceremonial event—it reflected broader political and cultural trends of the 1920s, including economic optimism and a preference for limited government. His administration championed tax reduction, budget surpluses, and pro-business policies that defined the era.

Symbolized political stability after a decade of war and social change, reinforcing public confidence in conservative leadership.
Highlighted technological progress through newsreel coverage, marking a shift in how Americans experienced national events.
Reinforced the two-term tradition, which would later be codified by the 22nd Amendment in 1951.
Set a precedent for media coverage of presidential events, paving the way for future broadcasts and documentaries.
Emphasized constitutional continuity, showing the peaceful transfer of power even after landslide victories.
Influenced Republican economic policy for decades, with Coolidge’s tax cuts and deregulation serving as models for future administrations.

The second inauguration of Calvin Coolidge remains a landmark moment in American political history, representing both the culmination of 1920s prosperity and the quiet dignity of a restrained presidency.