Final answer:
The anticipation of "sweeping changes" on March 4 instead of January 20 or January 1 is rooted in U.S. historical practice where March 4 was the original inauguration day until the Twentieth Amendment moved it to January 20 to shorten the 'lame duck' period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "sweeping changes" were anticipated on March 4 instead of January 20 or January 1 due to historical conventions and legislation regarding the transition of presidential power in the United States. Before the enactment of the Twentieth Amendment in 1933, which changed the commencement of the president's term, March 4 was the designated day for inaugurations. This date was selected as it was approximately four months after Election Day, providing ample time for any disputes to be resolved and for the president-elect to prepare for the transition. Since 1933, the inauguration date has been shifted to January 20, in an effort to reduce the 'lame duck' period and allow the new administration to commence its duties sooner after the election outcome is clear.
Furthermore, earlier dates like January 1 hold no significant legal or traditional standing with regard to presidential inaugurations or the significant transfer of power in the American political system. Both January 20 and March 4 have played crucial roles historically as dates of beginnings and transitions for the United States government. Prior to the change mandated by the Twentieth Amendment, landlords collecting a full month's rent for the shortened September and people demanding their "12 days back" exemplify societal impacts of similar scheduling adjustments.