Understanding the 20th Amendment

The video explains the 20th Amendment, focusing on the lame duck period and changes to the start dates of presidential and congressional terms. It covers the historical context, the amendment's sections, and the implications for presidential succession and congressional powers in case of electoral issues.

What is the term 'lame duck' used to describe?

• A new president taking office

• A president who is re-elected

• A period when an outgoing official has limited power

• A president who has lost an election

Why was the 20th Amendment introduced?

• To shorten the 'lame duck' period

• To extend the presidential term

• To increase congressional power

• To change the election process

What change did the first section of the 20th Amendment make?

• Abolished the Electoral College

• Extended the congressional term

• Changed the presidential term to start on January 20th

• Moved the presidential inauguration to March 4th

When does the new Congress assemble according to the second section of the 20th Amendment?

• December 3rd

• January 3rd

• March 4th

• February 1st

What problem does the second section of the 20th Amendment address?

• The role of the vice president

• The process of impeachment

• The length of the presidential term

• The old Congress deciding the new president

What happens if the president-elect dies before taking office?

• The vice president-elect becomes president

• The outgoing president remains in office

• A new election is held

• Congress appoints a new president

What does the third section of the 20th Amendment clarify?

• The role of the Supreme Court

• The powers of the vice president

• The line of succession if the president-elect cannot serve

• The process for declaring war

What authority does the fourth section of the 20th Amendment give to Congress?

• To declare war

• To legislate on presidential succession

• To impeach the president

• To amend the Constitution

In case of an electoral tie, who decides the president according to the 20th Amendment?

• The Supreme Court

• The Electoral College

• The outgoing president

• The new Congress

What is the main purpose of the 20th Amendment?

• To increase congressional power

• To extend the presidential term

• To reduce the 'lame duck' period

• To change the election process