"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." - The Presidential Oath of Office President William J. Clinton gives his Inaugural Address after the 1997 Presidential Inaugural Swearing-in Ceremony at the West Front of the Capitol. Watch President Clinton take the oath of office: President Clinton taking the oath on January 20, 1993 (start time 29:15, end at 30:45) President Clinton taking the oath on January 20, 1997 (start time 31:15, end at 32:15) When the President takes their oath of office, they swear to “execute the Office of President of the United States.” In this binding statement, the incoming president takes over the powers and responsibilities of the outgoing administration. But what are the powers and responsibilities of an American Presidency? In this online exhibit, you can read about the principle roles through which the President exercises their powers: Chief Executive Commander in Chief Chief Diplomat Ceremonial Head of State By clicking through the links above, you can explore the powers of the presidency through real-life examples, objects, and documents from the White House of President William Jefferson Clinton. Are you a teacher? Lesson plans and activities can be found here!