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1 1 (August 5, 2005)

handle is hein.crs/crsahtu0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS21089 Updated August 5, 2005 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Continuity of Government: Current Federal Arrangements and the Future Harold C. Relyea Specialist in American National Government Government and Finance Division Summary Continuity of government refers to the continued functioning of constitutional government under all circumstances. Arrangements for the continued operation of the federal government in the event of a national emergency or catastrophe are specified in law, policy, and plans, some of which are not public information, given their sensitive, contingent status. This report reviews the public record concerning federal continuity of government arrangements. It will be updated to reflect significant developments. As a condition of office, the President swears or affirms a pledge to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, which also requires members of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the individual state legislatures, as well as all executive and judicial officers of the United States and the several states, to support this Constitution.1 Arguably, such provisions constitute a basis for these principal government officials, in their separate capacities, to contribute to policy and planning for the continued functioning of constitutional government under all circumstances. During the latter half of the 20' century, such preparations were conducted earnestly and elaboratively, particularly with the onset of the Cold War and the increasing prospect of nuclear attack upon the nation. Arrangements for the continued operation of the federal government in the event of a national emergency are specified in law, policy, and plans, some of which are not public information, given their sensitive, contingent status. Background While the Constitution prescribed some arrangements concerning succession to the presidency and the replacement of elected and appointed officials, widespread concern about the continued functioning of constitutional government under all circumstances probably did not arise prior to the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. The assassination of the President was not totally unthinkable - an attempt had been made on the life of President Andrew Jackson in the Capitol rotunda on January 30, 1835 - but it was generally regarded as highly unlikely. However, in the aftermath 1 See Article 2, Section 1, and Article 6. Congressional Research Service +. The Library of Congress

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