Existing comment:
Acting President?
William Harrison was the first President to die in office, in 1841. Vice President John Tyler was sworn in, but Congress couldn't agree on whether he was President or Acting President. This resolution failed, and Tyler assumed the full duties of President. However, many questions about Presidential succession remained unaddressed until the 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967.
Motion to amend the resolution to strike out "President" and insert "Vice President now exercising the office of President," May 31, 1841, Records of the U.S. House of Representatives |