The 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1933, addresses the terms of office for the President and Vice President, as well as the sessions of Congress. Key provisions of the amendment include:
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Inauguration Date: It establishes January 20 as the date for the inauguration of the President and Vice President, shortening the time between Election Day (held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November) and the start of their terms.
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Meeting of Congress: It mandates that Congress must assemble at least once a year, with the meeting starting on January 3, unless they appoint a different day by law.
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Succession: The amendment also addresses situations where the President-elect dies before taking office, stating that the Vice President-elect shall become President.
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Lame-Duck Period: The amendment reduces the "lame-duck" period for outgoing officials, as they will no longer remain in office for an extended time after the election.
Overall, the 20th Amendment aims to reduce the waiting period between elections and the assumption of office to improve the efficiency of government.
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