What Is the Chain of Command of the United States Government?

Present and former heads of the executive branch

Unlike North Korea and Myanmar, where political lines of succession are uncertain, the United States has clearly-defined policies for the continuity of constitutional government under all three of its branches.

History

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman received from Congress a revision of U.S. succession law, which put two congressional officials closer in line for the presidency. Efforts to define other positions of succession continued during the Cold War period.

Executive Branch

In the case of a president's death or incapacity, the Constitution requires that the position be filled by the vice president. The line of succession then goes to the speaker of the House, the president pro tempore of the Senate, and then to members of the president's Cabinet.

Legislative Branch

State governors must hold elections in cases of congressional vacancies. If state law allows, the governor can temporarily fill a Senate seat with an appointment until an election can be held.

Judiciary

It is the president who makes appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court, but these must be confirmed by a majority of the Senate before the justice can take office.

Considerations

After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, concerns about the continuation of Congress in the aftermath of a major terror event have been voiced. So far, however, little has been done to address this issue.

References

• Air University: Continuity of Government
• Cornell University Law School: Article I U.S. Constitution
• Global Security.org: Leadership Succession

Resources

• Free Burma Coalition.org: Myanmar's political prisoner
• U.S. Constitution Online