Presidential Transitions : Issues Involving Outgoing and Incoming Administrations / L. Elaine Halchin.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Halchin, L. Elaine, author.

Series:

CRS report for Congress, RL34722.

CRS report for Congress, RL34722

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

United States--Politics and government--21st century.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (30 pages).

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress, 2008.

Summary:

The smooth and orderly transfer of power can be a notable feature of presidential transitions, and a testament to the legitimacy and durability of the electoral transitions, and a testament to the legitimacy and durability of the decisions, and activities contribute to what some may characterize as the unfolding drama of a presidential transition. Interparty transitions in particular might be contentious. Using the various powers available, a sitting President might use the transition period to attempt to secure his legacy or effect policy changes. Some observers have suggested that, if the incumbent has lost the election, he might try to enact policies in the waning months of his presidency that would "tie his successor's hands." On the other hand, a President-elect, eager to establish his policy agenda and populate his Administration with his appointees, will be involved in a host of decisions and activities, some of which might modify or overturn the previous administration's actions or decisions. Both the incumbent and the newly elected President can act unilaterally, through executive orders, recess appointments, and appointments to positions that do not require Senate confirmation. Additionally, a President can appoint individuals to positions that require Senate confirmation, and a presidential administration can influence the pace and substance of agency rulemaking. The disposition of government records (including presidential records and vice presidential records) and the practice of "burrowing in" (which involves the conversion of political appointees to a career status in the civil service) are two activities associated largely with the outgoing President's Administration. The incumbent President may also submit a budget to Congress, or he may defer to his successor on this matter.

Notes:

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