THE VICE PRESIDENT

Succession  Presidential Succession – the scheme by which a presidential vacancy is filled  Presidential Succession Act of 1947 – Added Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore  Then cabinet positions in this order: State, Treasury, Defense, and Attorney General (page 371)

Presidential Disability  Constitution had no provisions  25 th Amendment: V.P. becomes acting president if 1. President informs Congress in Writing of inability to perform the duty or 2. V.P. and majority of cabinet informs Congress of inability  In either case, President resumes duty by informing Congress by Declaration

Presidential Succession  The cabinet may challenge the Declaration and Congress then has 21 days to decide  Used three times

Importance of Job  1. Preside over Senate  2. Decide Disability

Importance of Job  But only a heartbeat away  8 by death 1 by resignation  Why is it usually weak  Balancing the ticket

Vice Presidential Vacancy  Under no circumstances can the President fire the Vice President  There have been 18 vacancies  9 by succession  2 by resignation  7 by death

Vice Presidential Vacancy  President appoints with the approval of the House and Senate  2 times: