Barack Obama will not take the oath of office until January 20, 2009, but work to address the many challenges that await him in the presidency begins immediately.

As campaign staffs across the country clean out their offices, a transition team begins its work to ensure the Obama administration is ready to handle the major foreign policy and economic challenges facing the United States.

The transition team, which will include experts on every major policy issue, will begin preparing policy recommendations for the president-elect and help him select Cabinet members. These Cabinet appointments are subject to confirmation by the new Congress after Obama is sworn in.

The transition team will receive help from the White House. The peaceful transfer of power from one presidential administration to the next is a hallmark of American democracy, and the Bush administration is committed to assisting with that transfer. (See “Ensuring A Smooth and Effective Presidential Transition.”)

Transition planning began months ago. Federal agencies and White House offices have prepared briefings on significant pending policy issues for the president-elect’s transition team.

Both presidential candidates were briefed regularly on national security issues, and Obama will be kept continuously informed as he prepares to take office.