Introduction
The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution deals with presidential succession and disability. It was ratified in 1967 in response to the Kennedy assassination and the need for clear guidelines in case the President becomes unable to perform his duties. Let’s dive deeper into what the 25th Amendment entails.
Section 1
This section states that in the event of the President’s death, resignation, or removal from office, the Vice President assumes the role of President.
Section 2
The Vice President can become Acting President by informing Congress in writing that the President is unable to perform his duties. Once the President declares himself able, he resumes his duties.
Section 3
This section allows the President to voluntarily transfer his powers to the Vice President temporarily. It has been used multiple times during medical procedures.
Section 4
If the President is unable to declare his incapacity, the Vice President and a majority of the cabinet can do so. Congress must then vote on the issue, with a two-thirds majority required to remove the President from office.
Case Studies
- President Ronald Reagan: In 1985, Reagan underwent surgery and formally transferred power to Vice President George H.W. Bush until he recovered.
- President George W. Bush: Underwent two colonoscopies in 2002 and 2007, invoking Section 3 both times.
Statistics
Since its enactment, the 25th Amendment has been invoked multiple times due to Presidential surgeries and medical procedures. It provides a clear and orderly process for succession and ensures that the country’s leadership remains stable in times of crisis.
