Q&A on the News

Q: Would you please print the Constitution’s 25th Amendment?

— Carl Morris, Douglas

A: "1. In case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation, the vice president shall become president.

2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the vice president, the president shall nominate a vice president who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both houses of Congress.

3. Whenever the president transmits to (Congress) his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the vice president as acting president.

4. Whenever the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to (Congress) their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the vice president shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as acting president.

Thereafter, when the president transmits (to Congress) his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the vice president and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide (Congress) their written declaration that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. If Congress … determines by two-thirds vote of both houses that the president is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the vice president shall continue … as acting president; otherwise, the president shall resume the powers and duties of his office.”

Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).