Presidential Succession in the United States

Abstract

The attitude of Congress toward presidential succession resembles that of the farmer who never repaired his roof because during fair weather it was unnecessary and when it rained it was too late. Ordinarily presidential succession receives scant attention; but, when a Vice President takes over the office of President and there is no Vice President, concern over the question of succession in some instances approaches a state of panic. Voters select the President and Vice President but beyond this point it is necessary to vest the line of succession in officers of the United States who were not selected for this high office. It is probable, therefore, that no plan of succession will ever meet with the unanimous approval of Congress or of the people.1 The constitutional fathers realized that a definite line of succession was both necessary and desirable but did nothing about it except to pass the responsibility to Congress. In Article II, Section I of the Constitution, Congress is given power to declare, when there is neither a President nor a Vice President, what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly until the disability is removed or a President shall be elected. The method of succession is thus left to Congress to determine. One very remarkable fact is that while Presidents and Vice Presidents have died in office, never has any other officer been called upon to fill the office of President. Presidents W. H. Harrison, Taylor, Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Harding, and F. D. Roosevelt died while holding office. The Vice Presidents who have died in office are George Clinton, Elbridge Gerry, William R. King, Henry Wilson,