The Twentieth Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1933, significantly altered the dates of presidential and congressional terms. It stipulates that the terms of the President and Vice President end at noon on January 20th, and the terms of Senators and Representatives end at noon on January 3rd, of the years in which such terms would have ended if the amendment was not ratified. Prior to this, presidential inaugurations took place in March, creating a lengthy lame-duck period.
This constitutional change addressed issues arising from extended periods between elections and the assumption of office. The “lame-duck” sessions of Congress, occurring after elections but before new officials took office, were often unproductive and susceptible to political maneuvering by outgoing officials. The amendment aimed to reduce this period of uncertainty and enhance governmental efficiency by more promptly seating newly elected officials. This also lessened the potential for outgoing administrations to enact significant policy changes without a clear mandate from the electorate.
