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Living Dangerously

The Uncertainties of Presidential Disability and Succession

James M. Ronan

Ask the average American who takes over in the event something happens to the President of the United States, and you’re likely to receive the correct answer. However, what about succession beyond the vice presidency? Fortunately, our nation has an established line of presidential succession that is meant to ensure continuity in the nation’s highest office. Unfortunately, there are several fundamental flaws in the model.

This work begins by examining the fascinating history of presidential disability and succession, an issue that has impacted our nation’s highest office since the very beginning. After highlighting the reoccurring nature of this problem, it then provides an analysis of the alarming state of our current disability and succession guidelines, many of which are dangerously outdated, especially when it comes to the threat of terrorism. It then explores these flaws, specifically the glaring problems associated with including members of Congress in the line of succession. Along with questions concerning suitability and preparedness, statistics detailing the partisan composition of Congress over the last half-century illustrate that a sudden shift in party control of the presidency is not only possible, but likely.

Finally, it concludes by highlighting an inherent flaw in a line of succession in which every member is located in one small area that happens to be the most attractive target for a would-be terrorist.

While the issues explored in this work have been present for more than a half-century, the combination of an increased partisan divide between the executive and legislative branches, as well as the dangers of terrorist attack, combine to require immediate action.

Just as the average American may be surprised to discover the Speaker of the House stands second in the line of succession, they would likely be shocked at the potential for chaos and confusion that could unfold in a battle for the presidency. Therefore, it is vitally important to address these concerns now, before they play out in front of a national audience.

Lexington Books

Pages: 216 • Trim: 6½ x 9

978-1-4985-1471-2 • Hardback • August 2015 • $115.00 • (£88.00)

978-1-4985-1472-9 • eBook • August 2015 • $109.00 • (£84.00)

Subjects: Political Science / American Government / Executive Branch, History / United States / General, Political Science / History & Theory, Political Science / Public Affairs & Administration

Living Dangerously

The Uncertainties of Presidential Disability and Succession

Hardback

eBook

Summary

Ask the average American who takes over in the event something happens to the President of the United States, and you’re likely to receive the correct answer. However, what about succession beyond the vice presidency? Fortunately, our nation has an established line of presidential succession that is meant to ensure continuity in the nation’s highest office. Unfortunately, there are several fundamental flaws in the model.

This work begins by examining the fascinating history of presidential disability and succession, an issue that has impacted our nation’s highest office since the very beginning. After highlighting the reoccurring nature of this problem, it then provides an analysis of the alarming state of our current disability and succession guidelines, many of which are dangerously outdated, especially when it comes to the threat of terrorism. It then explores these flaws, specifically the glaring problems associated with including members of Congress in the line of succession. Along with questions concerning suitability and preparedness, statistics detailing the partisan composition of Congress over the last half-century illustrate that a sudden shift in party control of the presidency is not only possible, but likely.

Finally, it concludes by highlighting an inherent flaw in a line of succession in which every member is located in one small area that happens to be the most attractive target for a would-be terrorist.

While the issues explored in this work have been present for more than a half-century, the combination of an increased partisan divide between the executive and legislative branches, as well as the dangers of terrorist attack, combine to require immediate action.

Just as the average American may be surprised to discover the Speaker of the House stands second in the line of succession, they would likely be shocked at the potential for chaos and confusion that could unfold in a battle for the presidency. Therefore, it is vitally important to address these concerns now, before they play out in front of a national audience.

Details

Lexington Books

Pages: 216 • Trim: 6½ x 9

978-1-4985-1471-2 • Hardback • August 2015 • $115.00 • (£88.00)

978-1-4985-1472-9 • eBook • August 2015 • $109.00 • (£84.00)

Subjects: Political Science / American Government / Executive Branch, History / United States / General, Political Science / History & Theory, Political Science / Public Affairs & Administration

Author

James Ronan holds a PhD in political science from Catholic University.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Instances of Presidential Disability

Chapter 2: The Legislative History of the 25^th Amendment

Chapter 3: Invocations of the 25^th Amendment

Chapter 4: The Dangers of Legislative Succession

Chapter 5: New Concerns for a New Reality

Chapter 6: Recommendations and Conclusion

Acknowledgments

Reviews

Disability in Presidents is a vitally important subject for us all since sick leaders likely are impaired leaders and impaired leaders are likely dangerous leaders in the nuclear and terrorist worlds.
In this important new book, Jim Ronan provides a comprehensive examination of the problem of impaired leadership, looking at several steps taken in the United States to deal effectively with it and warning that much remains to be done. I am happy to call his work to broad attention.
— Robert Gilbert, Northeastern University

Living Dangerously

The Uncertainties of Presidential Disability and Succession

James M. Ronan

Living Dangerously

The Uncertainties of Presidential Disability and Succession

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