Although the Constitution includes the inaugural oath, it does not dictate where that oath should take place. On April 27, 1789, the Senate's Inaugural Committee on Ceremony decided to hold the first oath in an "outer gallery adjoining the Senate Chamber." This gallery, part of a balcony in New York City's Federal Hall, overlooked Wall and Broad streets and provided the public with a chance to witness George Washington's inauguration.

Miss Eliza Quincy watched the ceremony from a nearby rooftop. Her account appeared in Century Magazine's 1889 article, "The Inauguration of Washington." She describes the event in her diary:

Congress, April 27, 1789, Inaugural Commmitte on Ceremony

"The windows and the roofs of the houses were crowded, and in the streets the throng was so dense that it seemed as if one might literally walk on the heads of the people...In the center of [the balcony] was placed a table with a rich covering of red velvet, and upon this, on a crimson velvet cushion, lay a large and elegant Bible....[Washington's] appearance was most solemn and dignified. ...Chancellor Livingston read the oath...and Washington repeated it, resting his hand upon the table. Mr. Otis, the Secretary of the Senate, then took the Bible and raised it to the lips of Washington, who stooped and kissed the book. ...All the bells in the city rang out a peal of joy, and the assembled multitude sent forth a universal shout. The President again bowed to the people, and then retired from a scene such as the proudest monarch never enjoyed."

Eliza contrasts a president and a monarch. America was establishing a democracy...a nation ruled by the "people." Why was this of special significance at this time? What are the differences in leadership between a monarch and a president? As our nation has evolved,certain American families have appeared to dominate local and national politics. How does this dynastic dominance differ from "royalty"? Is the difference important? Why?