Presidential Transitions in History
The peaceful transfer of power from one presidential administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy. It has been followed without interruption since our nation’s first president, George Washington, transferred power to his successor, John Adams, in 1797.
The process by which administrations transfer power in the modern era is governed by a formal transition process that is defined in statute. The statute describes a formal protocol for the outgoing administration to provide information and material to the incoming administration.
In each presidential election, campaigns select transition teams to prepare for possible transition activities well before Election Day. If a new president is elected, the transition begins and a peaceful transference of power is conducted.
In their own words, U.S. presidents describe the democratic process of transferring power from one administration to the next:
Four Presidents (Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon) toasting in the Blue Room. National Archives Catalogue.
President Barack Obama laughs with former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, prior to the dedication of the George W. Bush. Obama White House.
President Reagan
President Reagan begins his inaugural address by celebrating the United States' orderly transfer of power as "nothing less than a miracle" and praises President Carter for "maintaining the continuity which is the bulwark of our republic."
Regan Library. Records of the White House Television Office (WHTV) (Reagan Administration), 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989 - White House Television Office. 1/20/1981-1/20/1989 (Most Recent) - National Archives Identifier:137878346 - Creative Commons Attribution licence (reuse allowed)
President George H.W. Bush
President George H.W. Bush, in his concession speech after losing to President Clinton said, "I want the country to know that our entire administration will work closely with his team to ensure the smooth transition of power. There is important work to be done and America must always come first."
1993 Clinton Inauguration - George Bush and Bill Clinton shake hands just after the inaugural ceremonies at the U.S. Capitol. Smithsonian Institution Archives
President Clinton
President Clinton urges patience during the Bush v. Gore lawsuit.
Vice President Gore
Vice President Gore, after conceding to then-President-Elect George W. Bush, says "what remains of partisan rancor must be put aside and may God bless his stewardship of this country." Gore states that the election has been "resolved, as it must be resolved, through the honored institutions of our democracy."
President George W. Bush
President George W. Bush, in his speech to the American people after President Obama won to succeed him, said: "This peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a true democracy. And ensuring that this transition is as smooth as possible is a priority for the rest of my presidency."
Barack Obama met with President Bush in the Oval Office to begin a smooth transition of power while Michelle Obama met with Mrs. Bush and toured Washington, D.C. schools. CBS.
President Obama
President Obama reaffirmed the commitment President Bush had made to him: "I committed to President-Elect Trump that my administration would ensure the smoothest possible transition, just as President Bush did for me."
