Where does it state in the original 1789 text of the constitution that March 4th

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Question:

Just wondering why March 4th was always inauguration day up until the 1930's (Unless the 4th fell on a Sunday then the inaugurations were done on the 5th)!. I've been looking around on the wikipedia!.com site, and they have all the constitutional text, but don't see where it explicitly said March 4th is the day!. Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

In 1788, the last Congress under the Articles of Confederation decided to make the beginning of the presidential term on the "first Wednesday in March"!. In 1789, the first Wednesday in March was March 4th!. Interestingly, the new government under the US Constitution couldn't get its act together and Washington's first inauguration was actually held on April 30, 1789!. However, as the term of the President is specified as 4 years, and March 4th, 1789 was to have been the first date of the term, March 4th was repeated by Washington, Adams and Jefferson!. March 4th was finally codified under the 12th Amendment in 1804:

"And if the House of Representatives shall not choose a President whenever the right of choice shall devolve upon them, before the fourth day of March next following, then the Vice-President shall act as President, as in the case of the death or other constitutional disability of the President!."

http://www!.usconstitution!.net/const!.html!.!.!.

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"In 1788, the Confederation Congress scheduled the first presidential inauguration for the first Wednesday in March of the following year!. However, the early months of 1789 proved to be unseasonably cold and snowy and bad weather delayed many members of the First Federal Congress from arriving promptly in New York City, the temporary seat of government!. Until a quorum could be established in both the House and the Senate, no official business could be conducted!. Finally, on April 6, 1789 - over a month late - enough members had reached New York to tally the electoral ballots!. The ballots were counted on April 6 and George Washington won unanimously with 69 electoral votes!. Washington was then notified of his victory and traveled to New York City from his home in Virginia!.

On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath as the first president of the United States!. The oath was administered by Robert R!. Livingston, the Chancellor of New York, on a second floor balcony of Federal Hall, above a crowd assembled in the streets to witness this historic event!."

http://www!.archives!.gov/legislative/feat!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

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It was changed in 1933, from March to January , by the 20th amendment!.
See third paragraph in first source!.

Edit:
It's not in the original Constitution, but the reason it was March 4 was to give State electors (the infamous electoral vote) 4 months after Election Day to cast their Presidental ballot!. second source!.

March 4 was probably chosen as Inauguration Day because the Constitution took effect on March 4, 1789!.Www@QuestionHome@Com