Delivered to the Massachusetts legislature on 9 January 1961, shortly before his presidential inauguration, Kennedy’s speech reflects on his political relationship with the state and the responsibilities he was about to assume. Drawing on Massachusetts history, he invokes John Winthrop’s description of a community as a ‘city upon a hill’, watched by others and therefore required to meet demanding standards of public conduct.

Kennedy identifies four qualities by which political leadership should ultimately be judged: courage, judgement, integrity and dedication. He presents public office as a trust carrying obligations beyond party advantage, personal ambition or private interest. Comparing the challenges facing his incoming administration with those confronted by the early Massachusetts Bay Colony, Kennedy stresses accountability to both contemporary citizens and future historical judgement. The speech combines a farewell to the state that launched his political career with a statement of the principles he intended to bring to the presidency.