fandomhigh | Functioning Governments, Thursday, December 3, 2020

"We have 48 days, I believe, until the inauguration of a new President," Steve said. "The Constitution mandates the date for when it happens: January 20th, which is unfortunate because it is generally--frankly speaking--stupidly cold in Washington, DC, in January."

"I think it was meant as a challenge," Tony said. "We even had a president die because he insisted on giving a speech in the weather once."

"Without a coat to prove his manliness, or so the story goes," Steve said. "Don't be that kind of an idiot, kids."

Look, America was a special place.

"So, the inauguration of a new President involves a public ceremony, swearing them into office and the recitation of the oath of office," Tony said. "Something that is actually in the Constitution."

"The President and the Vice President take the same oath, aside from the job title, as everyone else who works in government service," Steve said. "The military swears the same thing, as do Senators and judges. 'I do solemnly swear--or affirm--that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.' Note how it is sworn to a document and not a person."

Something the current guy had a major problem understanding.

"What do you all think of this? Is it reasonable or would you make changes to it?" Tony asked. "How are things different where you're from?"

"Is there an oath at all?" Steve asked. "Are there enforceable consequences for when you, hypothetically speaking, ignore every single part of your oath?"

Please ignore how Tony was trying not to laugh at how unsubtle Steve was.