Order of succession facts for kids
The order of succession is like a special plan that decides who gets to be the next leader or take over an important job. It's a way to make sure there's always someone in charge, especially when a leader steps down, passes away, or can no longer do their job.
Sometimes, the "order of succession" also means a list of leaders who came before, showing the history of who was in power. It helps us understand how power has been passed down over time.
Contents
Looking Back: Who Ruled Before?
Succession can also be a chronology, which is like a timeline of who was in charge. This is how we get lists of past leaders, such as the list of popes or the list of Emperors of Japan.
The history of succession can be interesting. For example, Charles IX of Sweden (who ruled from 1604 to 1611) was actually only the third Swedish king named Charles, even though he was Charles IX.
Popes: A Long History
Pope Francis is the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The very first pope listed is Saint Peter.
Over many centuries, there have been times when the list of popes became confusing. For example, during a time called the Western Schism in the 14th century, there was more than one pope at the same time! Each of these popes had a lot of support from different countries. Today, only some of them are included in the official list.
Back then, leaders in Europe had to choose which pope to support:
- Countries like France, Aragon, Castile and León, Cyprus, Burgundy, Savoy, Naples, and Scotland supported the popes in Avignon.
- Countries like Denmark, England, Flanders, the Holy Roman Empire, Hungary, northern Italy, Ireland, Norway, Poland, and Sweden supported the popes in Rome.
Japanese Emperors: An Ancient Line
Akihito is the 125th Emperor of Japan. The first emperor listed is Emperor Jimmu.
Just like with the popes, there have been times when the list of Japanese emperors was difficult to figure out. For example, during the Nanboku-chō period in the 14th century, there was more than one emperor ruling at the same time. Each had strong support. Today, only some of them are on the official list.
For about 500 years, the Imperial timeline included emperors like Emperor Kōgon, Emperor Kōmyō, Emperor Sukō, Emperor Go-Kōgon, and Emperor Go-En'yū. But in the 19th century, these names were removed from the list. At the same time, Emperor Go-Murakami, Emperor Chōkei, and Emperor Go-Kameyama were added.
Planning for the Future: Who's Next?
The "order of succession" or "line of succession" is a formal plan. It decides who will take over a future role or position in a group, like a government or a company. This plan is used when a leader leaves their job, passes away, or can no longer serve.
Many countries have clear plans for who will be the next leader. However, some countries do things differently. For example, Kim Jong-il of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea chose his youngest son as the "Dear Successor." How he made this choice is not publicly known.
Monarchies: Royal Rules
In some countries, like Sweden (since 1980), the Netherlands (since 1983), Norway (since 1990), Belgium (since 1991), Denmark (since 2009), and the United Kingdom (since 2015), the oldest child of the king or queen is expected to become the next ruler. This is called "full" or "equal" primogeniture, meaning the firstborn child, regardless of gender, inherits the throne.
In other countries, like Spain and Japan, male children are given special preference. This is known as "male primogeniture," where sons inherit before daughters, even if the daughter is older.
Presidencies: Leading a Nation
In the United States, the plan for who becomes president is in a law called the "Presidential Succession Act of 1947." If the president cannot do their job, the Vice President is next in line. If the Vice President also cannot serve, then the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives is next.
See also
In Spanish: Orden sucesorio para niños
