why is the vice president elect sworn in before the president elect?

2 Comments

1. Jan says:

   August 28, 2011 at 8:03 pm

   I don’t know for sure,but it would seem to me that the VP is sworn in first in case of an unforeseen circumstance where the President elect couldn’t be sworn in. Since the VP takes over when the President isn’t able,he would then be acting Pres.
   Circumstances such as a sudden illness or even an assassination.
   Just my thoughts.
2. truefirstedition says:

   August 28, 2011 at 8:19 pm

   My guess is that it’s strictly for show.

   The Vice President is kind of like the President’s opening act. It makes for a better ceremony when you save the most important guy’s part for last.