The line of succession for the office of President of the United States is primarily governed by the 25th Amendment, but the 20th Amendment and the Presidential Succession Act also play roles. Here's a brief overview:
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20th Amendment: Ratified in 1933, this amendment addresses the terms of the President and Vice President, including the dates of the inauguration and what happens if the President-elect dies before taking office. It does not directly address succession after the Vice President.
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22nd Amendment: This amendment, ratified in 1951, limits the number of terms a President can serve but does not pertain to the line of succession.
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25th Amendment (1967): This amendment clarifies the line of succession if the President is unable to fulfill their duties, either due to death, resignation, removal, or incapacitation. It details the process for the Vice President to assume the presidency and outlines the scenarios for filling a vacancy in the office of Vice President.
The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 established the line of succession beyond the Vice President, which includes the Speaker of the House, the President pro tempore of the Senate, and the Cabinet members, in the order of their departments' creation.
In summary, while the 25th Amendment directly addresses presidential succession in terms of capacity to perform duties, the 20th and 22nd Amendments serve to clarify presidential terms and limitations. The specific line of succession, however, is established mainly by the Presidential Succession Act.