Presidential Transitions: Backgrounds and Issues

The constitutional transfer of power and authority from an incumbent American President to a successor is a momentous occasion in American government. In the present day, this transfer of authority is a complex and multi-faceted undertaking, as the outgoing Administration concludes its affairs and the incoming Administration gets organised. In recent decades, presidential transition activities have begun months before the general election; the major candidates usually have asked individuals or small groups to begin to formulate plans in the event of an electoral victory. Preparations have accelerated after the election, as the attention of the President-elect and his supporters has turned from campaigning to governing. The President-elect and his team have approximately 11 weeks. This book presents important issues dealing with major aspects of these critical transitions.