On February 6, 1933, Congress passed the 20th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The 20th Amendment deals with beginning and ending dates for terms of elected officials, and scenarios where there is no President-elect.

The amendment's primary purpose was to reduce the amount of time between election day, in November, and the beginning of Presidential, Vice Presidential and Congressional terms. Originally, the terms of the President, the Vice President and the Congress began on March 4, four months after the elections were held. The 20th Amendment, however, states that the President and Vice President shall start their terms at noon on January 20th. The terms of Senators and Representatives start at noon on January 3rd. The amendment also provides that Congress should meet at least once every year, and that meeting should also take place on January 3rd.

The 20th Amendment also provides for situations in which January 20th arrives and there is no President-elect. The amendment states that if the President-elect died between election day and January 20th, then the Vice President-elect shall take the office of President. Also, if the President-elect is found to be unqualified for the office, the Vice President-elect shall take the office of President until another President is chosen.

Since the passage of the 20th Amendment on February 6, 1933, January 20th has been an important day in the United States – Presidential Inauguration Day.