Lame duck facts for kids
A lame duck is a term used to describe an elected politician who is about to finish their time in office. This happens either because they have reached their limit on how many terms they can serve, or because they lost an election and a new person will take their place.
What is a Lame Duck Politician?
A lame duck politician is someone who is still in office but knows their time is almost up. They might be a president, a governor, or a member of parliament. Even though they are still working, they are often seen as having less power or influence. This is because they won't face voters again for that position.
Why Do Politicians Become Lame Ducks?
There are two main reasons why a politician becomes a lame duck:
- Term Limits: Many political jobs have rules about how long someone can serve. For example, a president in the United States can only serve two terms. Once they reach this limit, they cannot run for that office again.
- Lost Election: A politician might run for re-election but lose to another candidate. Even after losing, they usually stay in office for a short period until the new person officially takes over.
What Happens During the Lame Duck Period?
The time between when a politician becomes a lame duck and when they leave office is called the "lame duck period." During this time, a few things can happen:
- Less Influence: Other politicians might not listen as much to a lame duck leader. They know this person won't be in power for long.
- Controversial Decisions: Sometimes, lame duck politicians make big or unpopular decisions. They might do this because they no longer have to worry about winning another election.
- Smooth Transition: Often, the lame duck period is used to help the new leader get ready. The outgoing politician and their team share information and prepare for the change.
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