The 25th Amendment: Succession of the Presidency

Today's post comes from Christine Blackerby, archives specialist in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. She is also co-curator of the exhibit “Amending America,” which runs in the Lawrence F. O’Brien Gallery in the National Archives Building through September 4, 2017. Today marks the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the … Continue reading The 25th Amendment: Succession of the Presidency

Facial Hair Friday: Rising above party politics

Today in 1886, former President Chester A. Arthur died from complications from Bright's disease. He had not been relected for second term, and he had left office in 1884. He died in New York City, just 56 years old. Although he sported the facial hair style of the time, Arthur was an unlikely President. He … Continue reading Facial Hair Friday: Rising above party politics

Reverse the (Zero) Curse

When Ronald Reagan survived the attempt on his life on March 30, 1981, and went on to serve two full four-year terms, he broke what some people call “the year-ending-in-zero” curse. It goes like this: Every President elected in a year ending in zero since 1840 had died in office. William Henry Harrison, elected in … Continue reading Reverse the (Zero) Curse