Every four years, Americans gather in Washington, D.C. to witness the peaceful transfer of power, an important part of the country’s democracy. This year’s inauguration will take place on Jan 20, as President Donald Trump takes the oath of office, officially assuming the role of the 45th President of the United States.
While the ceremony is filled with tradition, from the inaugural address to the passing of the presidential seal, questions remain about what this new administration will mean for the country in the months ahead. Many students and faculty at GHS have opinions and thoughts on Inauguration Day.
“I think it is important that our generation understands politics, so that in the future we understand how everything works and we are able to make our most informed vote in elections,” senior Carly Belter said. “I think it is important to watch the speech on Inauguration Day, and I am interested in what Donald Trump will say.”
Many students at GHS have been following the election for many months before the results were announced. Inauguration day will have an impact on almost everyone, and a majority of people feel strongly about the upcoming day.
“I am not looking forward to Inauguration Day,” said senior Teagan Amenda, “Honestly I’m pretty scared for what’s to come. With that being said, I think it is important to watch and know about Inauguration Day, so that people are better educated about the processes of the government.”
Other students feel somewhat optimistic about the upcoming day
“I am nervous but also optimistic to see this next term begin. I am interested in what the campaign promises actually come true and which ones were just to get votes. I am also curious to see if the Democrats’ concerns about Trump’s candidacy will prove true in the next four years,” junior Leo Gamboa said. “I think people must know what is going on in government because decisions at the highest level can drastically affect our day-to-day lives. If people wish to see their values protected they must know what is going on in Washington D.C. and what they can do about it by using their vote.”
Teachers, too, have strong opinions on the significance of Inauguration Day and how to convey its importance to students at GHS.
“I teach my students that the peaceful transfer of power is an incredibly important norm in a functioning democracy. The losing party giving power to the winning party and accepting the results of legitimate elections is crucial. Without it, people’s faith in elections and democracy erodes,” AP government and politics teacher Benjamin Hubing said. “I think students generally are interested in this process. It is ceremonial but important.”
Students in Hubing’s AP Government class, who have been studying the process in depth, are eager to watch and learn from the inauguration.
“I’m pretty interested in Inauguration Day coming up because I’ve never gotten to actually watch the ceremony before,” senior AP government student Carly Antczak said. “ I feel that Inauguration Day encourages me to play an active role in politics once I can vote because I think it’s important that everyone is represented within their government. I think it’s important that our generation and all new voters learn about politics and government so we actually show up to the polls to let our voices be heard by our government rather than letting others make choices for us.”
Overall, no matter the opinion on the outcome of the election, students and teachers at GHS are well aware of the importance of Inauguration Day, and the significant need to be well educated on the US government to be able to make choices best fit for the country.
