Topic Review Activity Active
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Explain the difference between the 20th and 25th Amendments.
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The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Difference Between the 20th and 25th Amendments
20th Amendment:
- Ratified in 1933, the 20th Amendment is also called the “Lame Duck Amendment.”
- It aimed to reduce the period between federal elections (for the President, Vice President, and Congress) and when elected officials take office.
- Key Provisions:
- The presidential and vice-presidential terms begin on January 20 (instead of March 4).
- Congressional terms begin on January 3.
- It established procedures for what happens if the president-elect dies before taking office or if no candidate qualifies as president.
25th Amendment:
- Ratified in 1967, the 25th Amendment clarifies presidential succession and procedures for handling presidential disability.
- Key Provisions:
- Section 1: If the president dies, resigns, or is removed, the vice president becomes president.
- Section 2: If the vice presidency is vacant, the president nominates a new vice president, who must be confirmed by both houses of Congress.
- Section 3: The president can voluntarily transfer powers to the vice president temporarily (e.g., during surgery).
- Section 4: The vice president and the majority of the Cabinet can declare the president incapacitated, allowing the vice president to take over.
Summary:
While both amendments deal with presidential and vice-presidential procedures, the 20th Amendment focuses on shortening the “lame duck” period between elections and inaugurations, and addresses what happens if a president-elect dies before taking office. The 25th Amendment, however, outlines detailed procedures for presidential succession and for addressing a situation where the president is unable to perform their duties.
Correct Answer:
The 20th Amendment shortened the time between elections and when officials take office, while the 25th Amendment deals with presidential succession and incapacity.