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Order of succession

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Revision as of 21:12, 20 December 2011 by Horeki (talk | changes)

The order of succession is a formal plan which determines who inherits a role or a position in a hierarchy after death or other cause creates a vacancy or an opportunity for succession.

Many countries have developed transparent succession planning.

In contrast, Kim Jong-il of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea selected his youngest son as his successor.[1] The process which led to this choice is not known.

Monarchies

In some countries including Sweden since 1980, the Netherlands since 1983, Norway since 1990, Belgium since 1991, and Denmark since 2009, the eldest child of a monarch is expected to become the next monarch.[2] This is known as "full" or "equal" as primogeniture.[3]

In many countries including the United Kingdom and Japan, special preference is given to male children. This is known as "male primogeniture."

Presidencies

Vice President Lyndon Johnson taking the oath of office after the assassination of the American president in 1963

In the United States, the line of succession is explained in the "Presidential Succession Act of 1947". If the president cannot fullfil his duties, the Vice President is expected to take his place; and then the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is next.[4]

References

  1. Harlan, Chico. "Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s ‘Dear Leader,’ dies, leaving son as successor," Washington Post. December 19, 2011; retrieved 2011-12-19.
  2. CBC/Radio-Canada, "Royal Succession," April 22, 2011; retrieved 2011-12-19.
  3. Bloxam, Andy and James Kirkup. "Centuries-old rule of primogeniture in Royal Family scrapped," The Telegraph. 28 October 2011; retrieved 2011-12-19.
  4. Presidential Succession: An Overview with Analysis of Legislation Proposed in the 109th Congress, Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, Order Code RL32969, June 29, 2005; retrieved 2011-12-19.