Grateful American Kids
Constitutional Calendar

July 6: 25th Amendment

The 25th Amendment passed in 1965. It clarified rules of succession—what happens if the Presidency or Vice Presidency is vacated. The Amendment confirmed that if the President resigns, is removed or dies in office, the Vice President will take his place. Also, the Senate was given the power to confirm a new Vice President should that position become vacant. In addition, the 25th Amendment laid out the process of filling (temporarily or permanently) the President’s seat should he become incapable of performing his duties. While no chief executive has been replaced in this way, thanks to the 25th Amendment both George H.W. Bush and Dick Cheney briefly became Acting President during their terms as Vice President. Their bosses, Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush respectively, granted these 25th Amendment powers as they underwent medical procedures.

Partners & Supporters