National Lame Duck Day
National Lame Duck Day, February 6th, honors the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Lame Duck Amendment.
The term "lame duck" was used to describe stockbrokers in 1700s England who were unable to pay off their debts. The name was changed to those in company that would continue to do business despite being bankrupt, which was later extended to those in company that would continue to do business despite being bankrupt.
A lame duck is a person currently serving a political office in politics who has either: a lame duck or a person in charge of a political office who has either:
- In a re-election bid, the candidate lost a re-election bid.
- Since not to seek another term, the author hasn't chosen not to seek another term
- Due to a term limit, candidates were refused from running for re-election. a.k.a. term limit
- Or holds a position that has been sacked or has been displaced from office.
The 20th amendment
Congress had a 13-month delay between election day and the day the newly elected officials took office before the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution. The lame-duck was given a 13-month termination notice, essentially endangering their position. Hence the "lame" or injured duck.
The same could be said of the president. The 20th Amendment changed the date the newly elected president took office from March 4th to January 20th.
Members of Congress are no longer accountable to their constituents during a lame-duck session. As a result, their attention will shift toward personal gain rather than campaigning on behalf of their constituents with an eye toward re-election.
The 20th Amendment shortened this period from 13 months to 2 months. Although lame-duck sessions continue (20 such sessions have occurred since the 1935 amendment went into operation in 1935), there is still no time for broad legislation to be approved. Among other things, lame-duck congresses have declared war, sacked a president, censured a senator, and passed the Homeland Security Act.
It is also considered a period in which the peaceful transition of power occurs. The outgoing president will leave the office, and the newly elected president will take over the role.
