The oath of office of the President
of the United States is the oath or affirmation that the President of the United States takes upon assuming
office. The wording of the oath is specified in Article II, Section One, Clause 8, of the United States Constitution, and a new president must take it
before exercising or carrying out any official powers or duties.
This clause is
1 of 3 oath or affirmation clauses in the Constitution, but it
is the only one that actually specifies the words that must be spoken. The
Presidential oath requires much more than that general oath of allegiance and fidelity. Before
he or she enters on the Execution of his Office, he or she shall take the
following Oath or Affirmation:
"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."