Amendments
What is the 20th Amendment?
It sets the dates at which federal (United States) government elected offices end and defines who succeeds the president if the president dies.
How long is a presidential term?
Four years.
Who is next in line after the president?
The vice president.
Why was the 20th Amendment ratified?
To reduce the time between the election and the inauguration of the president.
What does the 22nd Amendment limit?
It limits a person to two terms as President of the United States.
When does a president’s term officially begin?
January 20th following the election.
Name one person who is fourth in line for succession.
The Secretary of State.
How did the 22nd Amendment come to be?
It was proposed after Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected to four terms, leading to concerns about the concentration of power.
What is the purpose of the 25th Amendment?
It provides procedures for replacing the president or vice president in the event of death, removal, resignation, or incapacitation.
What happens if a president dies in office?
The vice president assumes the presidency.
What are the first three positions in the line of succession?
Vice President, Speaker of the House, President pro tempore of the Senate.
What historical events led to the creation of the 25th Amendment?
It was prompted by the assassination of JFK and concerns about presidential incapacity.
Describe the process of presidential succession.
If a president is unable to perform their duties, the vice president assumes the presidency, followed by the Cabinet members in a specific order.
How many total years can a president serve?
A maximum of ten years, if they serve two years of a predecessor's term and two full terms.
What is the role of the Speaker of the House in succession?
The Speaker is next in line after the vice president in case both the president and vice president are unable to serve.
Discuss a president who faced a succession issue.
Lyndon B. Johnson after JFK’s assassination.
Who was the first president to be affected by the 25th Amendment?
Gerald Ford, who became president after Richard Nixon resigned.
How does the 22nd Amendment affect vice presidents?
It does not directly affect vice presidents, but it limits the number of terms a president can serve, which can impact a vice president's potential to run for president.
Explain the importance of the Presidential Succession Act of 1947.
It established the current line of succession following the vice president, clarifying the order of Cabinet members.
How has presidential succession changed over time?
It has evolved through amendments and laws that clarify and formalize the process.