What is the 25th Amendment

• Steven Topazio wrote this November 12, 2024 at 5:42 pm

The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1967, clarifies the procedures for presidential succession and dealing with presidential incapacity. It has four sections:

Section 1 states that if the president dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the vice president becomes president.

Section 2 allows the president to nominate a new vice president if that office becomes vacant, with approval from both houses of Congress.

Section 3 permits the president to voluntarily transfer power to the vice president, temporarily, by notifying congressional leaders in writing (for instance, during surgery).

Section 4 outlines the process for the vice president and a majority of the cabinet to declare the president unable to perform their duties. If the president disputes this, Congress must decide whether the president remains in power.

The twenty-fifth amendment ensures a clear line of succession and addresses scenarios where a president cannot fulfill their duties.