US Vice-President Joe Biden has been sworn in as the Obama administration officially begins its second term.
Biden placed his hand on a thick and weathered-looking bible held by his wife, Jill, and pledged to 'support and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic'.
The small morning ceremony was officiated by Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor, and attended by a number of Biden's family members.
Obama will also take the oath on Sunday (Monday AEDT) in a ceremony at the White House to comply with the US Constitution, which dictates his first term ends at noon on January 20.
In a tradition honoured when that date falls on a Sunday, Obama will repeat the oath in a public ceremony on Monday (Tuesday AEDT), and deliver his inaugural address to Americans, and the watching world, outside the US Capitol.
