stevenedwards1998
stevenedwards1998 5d ago • 0 views

AP US Gov: Presidential Succession and the 25th Amendment Quiz

Hey! 🤔 Presidential succession can seem complicated, but it's super important to understand how power transfers in the US government. This study guide and quiz will help you nail the key concepts. Good luck!
⚖️ US Government & Civics

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rachel_williams Jan 4, 2026

📚 Quick Study Guide

  • 📜 Constitutional Basis: Presidential succession is primarily governed by the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  • 🤝 Order of Succession: The current order of succession is: Vice President, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of State, and then other cabinet members in order of precedence.
  • 🤕 25th Amendment, Section 3: Allows the President to temporarily transfer power to the Vice President if the President is unable to perform their duties.
  • 25th Amendment, Section 4: Addresses situations where the President is unable or unwilling to discharge the powers and duties of their office, allowing the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the President incapacitated.
  • 🗳️ Vacancy in the Vice Presidency: The 25th Amendment also outlines the process for filling a vacancy in the Vice Presidency: the President nominates a new VP, who must be confirmed by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.

Practice Quiz

  1. Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution deals primarily with presidential succession and disability?
    1. The 22nd Amendment
    2. The 25th Amendment
    3. The 20th Amendment
    4. The 12th Amendment
  2. According to the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, who follows the Vice President in the line of succession?
    1. Secretary of State
    2. President Pro Tempore of the Senate
    3. Speaker of the House
    4. Secretary of Defense
  3. What happens if the Vice Presidency becomes vacant?
    1. The Speaker of the House automatically becomes Vice President.
    2. The President nominates a new Vice President, who must be confirmed by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.
    3. A special election is held to elect a new Vice President.
    4. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate becomes Vice President.
  4. Under Section 3 of the 25th Amendment, what must the President do to temporarily transfer power to the Vice President?
    1. Get approval from the Supreme Court.
    2. Inform Congress in writing.
    3. Hold a national referendum.
    4. Ask the Cabinet.
  5. What is required for the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet to declare the President unable to discharge the powers and duties of office under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment?
    1. A unanimous vote of the Supreme Court.
    2. A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
    3. A declaration to Congress.
    4. A national election.
  6. If the President disputes the Vice President's and Cabinet's declaration of inability, what happens?
    1. The Supreme Court decides.
    2. Congress decides, requiring a two-thirds vote of both houses to uphold the VP and Cabinet's declaration.
    3. Another election is held.
    4. The decision automatically stands.
  7. Which scenario is NOT covered by the 25th Amendment?
    1. Presidential disability
    2. Vice Presidential vacancy
    3. Impeachment of the President
    4. Presidential succession
Click to see Answers
  1. B
  2. C
  3. B
  4. B
  5. C
  6. B
  7. C

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