Presidential Amendments 12, 20, 22, 23, and 25th

Amendment 12 (Presidential Election)

Altered the procedures of the Electoral College. The change allowed separate balloting for president and vice president to avoid a tie in electoral votes, as happened in the election of 1800.

Amendment 25 (Presidential Election)

Clarified that a successor to the presidency was designated as President of the United States and included provisions for filling the office of Vice President. It also outlined procedures to be used in case of presidential disability. Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy due to Lyndon B. Johnson, who had a history of heart problems.

Amendment 22 (Presidential Election)

Imposed a two-term limit on presidential terms. This amendment was passed following the four-term presidency of Franklin Roosevelt to institutionalize the two term tradition established by George Washington.

Amendment 23 (Presidential Election)

Provided electors for the District of Columbia. The Electoral College was originally based upon electors representing states. As the population of the District of Columbia grew, it was decided that the residents there deserved to have the opportunity to vote for electors in presidential elections.

Amendment 20 (Presidential Election)

Shortened the time between elections and when presidents and members of Congress take office. These changes reflected the improvements in transportation which allowed for easier travel to Washington and also reflected the desire to avoid "lame duck" periods in the transition from one administration or session to another.