The inauguration of President Joseph R. Biden and Vice-President Kamala D. Harris went off without a hitch Wednesday, but the United States can never again take for granted its revered tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. When Biden took the oath of office as America’s 46th president, an estimated 25,000 National Guard troops were mobilized to guard the Capitol.

“We have learned again that democracy is precious,” said the new president, looking out over a National Mall filled with 200,000 American flags in lieu of people. “Democracy is fragile. And at this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.”

In America, a peaceful transfer of power is considered a national birthright, an article of uncontested faith. Or at