25th+Amendment+Presidential+Succession

Overview
On February 10, 1967 the Constitution of the United States was altered. The Legislation has ratified an amendment to the Constitution. Because three-fourths of the states acknowledgment was required the ratification was not instantaneous. Once the 38th state in the union accepted the proposal though, it became significant. The 25th Amendment dealt with presidential succession. “A peril that had existed in the executive branch for almost 200 years had been alleviated,” is how a Senator from Indiana, Birch Bayh, reacted. No longer did American citizens have to worry about the fate of the country if the president would be unable to perform.

Critical Issue
==== The New York Times described it as a, “Change in U.S Constitution designed for continuity in case of disability.” Along with presidential succession, this bill also addressed the continuation of executive power was a president was incapacitated. The 25th Amendment gives presidential authority to the Vice President if he is mentally or physically handicapped. Because of this, the President would now have the right to choose a running mate during elections. Ultimately, this No. 2 would become the Vice President. Minnesota, North Dakota, and Nevada were the last states to ratify the amendment. Senator Birch Bayh, author of the bill, had passed the 25th Amendment. Americans finally saw the Constitution altered in 1967. Before the 25th Amendment, a new President would not be appointed until the next election if the current President was unable to govern the country. Shortly after its conception, President Kennedy was assassinated. With the institution of the 25th Amendment, Lyndon B. Johnson took over office. The one flaw in this system would be pointed out in this devastating event; the Vice Presidency would remain empty. The 25th Amendment was a necessary addition to the Constitution, and helped the security of our nation.

Conclusion/Historical Significance
Three years had passed since the bill had first been suggested. Americans finally saw the Constitution altered in 1967. Before the 25th Amendment, a new President would not be appointed until the next election if the current President was unable to govern the country. Shortly after its conception, President Kennedy was assassinated. With the institution of the 25th Amendment, Lyndon B. Johnson took over office. The one flaw in this system would be pointed out in this devastating event; the Vice Presidency would remain empty. The 25th Amendment was a necessary addition to the Constitution, and helped the security of our nation.

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