Introduction

Inaugural Ceremony

Image and Video: During the 53rd Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 1997, President Clinton swore: “I, William Jefferson Clinton…will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”  (Article II, Section 1)

Constitution of the United States of America

The National Archives Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom is the permanent home for the Constitution of the United States. Written in 1787, the Constitution continued to define the framework and powers of the Federal Government during the Clinton Administration (January 1993- January 2001).

This online exhibit highlights key issues regarding the Constitution that arose during the Clinton Presidency. Primary source documents featured in this exhibit relate to veto powers, emoluments, pardons and clemencies, judicial nominations, impeachment, search and seizure, presidential succession, and war powers.

Introduction