The 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1967, addresses presidential succession and disability. It is a crucial component of the U.S. governmental framework, ensuring continuity and stability in leadership.
The amendment is divided into four sections, each serving a specific purpose:
Section 1: This section clarifies that if the President is removed from office, dies, or resigns, the Vice President shall become President. This was a necessary clarification following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, which raised questions about presidential succession.
    
Section 2: This section provides a mechanism for filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President. It states that the President shall nominate a Vice President, who must be confirmed by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress. An example of this occurred when President Gerald Ford nominated Nelson Rockefeller to the Vice Presidency after Ford himself succeeded Richard Nixon.
    
Section 3: This section allows the President to voluntarily transfer power to the Vice President when the President is unable to perform the duties of the office. The President must transmit a written declaration to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House. One notable instance was when President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery in 1985; he temporarily transferred power to Vice President George H.W. Bush.
    
Section 4: This section outlines the process for determining presidential disability. If the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet (or another body designated by Congress) determine that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, they can submit a written declaration to Congress. This section was invoked in 2021 when concerns were raised regarding President Joe Biden's capacity during a medical procedure, although it was ultimately not acted upon.
    
Overall, the 25th Amendment serves to clarify and formalize the procedures for presidential succession and the handling of presidential disability, ensuring that the executive branch of the U.S. government remains functional and effective even during times of crisis.
For further reading, you can refer to the National Archives for the text of the amendment and its historical context.