Obama is sworn in, emphasizes need for effective government

In his first address to the nation as president, Barack Obama highlighted the need for a well-functioning government to address daunting challenges.

"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified," Obama said on Tuesday, just minutes after being sworn in. "Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end."

Speaking to a crowd dotted with federal employees on duty, from Secret Service agents to officers from the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the new commander in chief challenged government leaders and civil servants to be stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.

"Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account -- to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day -- because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government," Obama said, echoing themes outlined on the campaign trail.

The president's speech was literally resounding, rolling down the length of the National Mall thanks to slight delays on the JumboTrons and reverberating off surrounding buildings in an acoustic version of the wave. While the massive crowd responded enthusiastically to the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural address, onlookers were less engaged during the pomp and circumstance leading up to the main events.

Obama's Cabinet nominees were introduced early in the ceremony, drawing only a murmur. The spectators also stayed largely quiet as members of Congress, senators, governors and other officials were introduced and seated, keeping their eyes on the JumboTrons for shots of the Obama motorcade or the incoming president entering the Capitol building.

The introduction of outgoing President Bush initially was met with respectful but muted applause, but as "Hail to the Chief" was played to the 43rd president for the last time, the crowd organized into a hundreds of thousands-strong chorus of "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye."

Often one to temper expectations, Obama chose to challenge skeptics in his inaugural address, insisting that Americans and their government can respond to the challenges at hand.

"There are some who question the scale of our ambitions -- who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans," Obama said. "Their memories are short, for they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage."

He also cautioned -- as he did during the campaign -- that government cannot solve every problem. "As much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies," he said.