What Is A Lame Duck Political Official? - Democracy And Me

By Dr. David J. ChildsNorthern Kentucky UniversityIntroduction- What is a Lame Duck OfficialAfter general elections have taken place the outgoing president is often called a “lame duck” president. The term lame duck “in the literal sense, is a term that refers to a duck which is unable to keep up with its flock, making it a target for predators.” By the nineteenth century lame duck was used to describe politicians who were at the end of their term and had lost much of their power and influence. They are an outgoing politician, an elected official who is going to be replaced in the near future. The official has either chosen not to run again for office, has reached a term limit or has been voted out. As a result the politician is viewed as having less influence and less of an impact on the public and in the political world due to diminishing power.Conversely, a lame duck official has a great deal of freedom to make decisions that they would not have made while running for office. They are a bit more liberated because the pressure of pleasing the public in order to receive more support is gone. So the president, governor, mayor, council woman or any elected official are free to make decisions that exercise their powers without fear of consequence. A lame duck president may issue controversial executive orders, pardons, or other unpopular edicts. 

Donald Trump as Lame Duck presidentIn the general election of 2020 although President Donald J. Trump exercised a great deal of influence over his base, one could see his power diminishing after he lost the election in both the popular vote and in the electoral college. As a general election has come and gone it is a good idea to watch the kind of decisions that a lame duck president will make in their last few months in office. There may be both good and bad things that come out the decisions the president makes during his lame duck period.

Conclusion- Social studies classrooms are ideal places to teach this topic.

The lame duck phenomenon in politics is a powerful topic to highlight in middle grades and social studies classrooms. When educators introduce students to the topic it helps them to be aware of the various politics surrounding elections. Furthermore, it is also a lesson on the transfer of power and influence. Here are some lesson plans and resources that social studies teachers can use to teach students more about the lame duck phenomenon.

Other Resources and ReadingsWhat Is a Lame-Duck Presidency?Ask Civics 101: What Is A ‘Lame Duck’ Session?What is a ‘lame duck’ president? Hint: The political term has nothing to do with waterfowlLame-duck Congress and lame-duck president face huge challenges in coming weeksHow to Defend Against a Lame-Duck Trump Four risks to guard against nowWhy we should fear a lame-duck President Trump

Lesson Plans and Teaching ResourcesLame Ducks: Lesson PlanLame Ducks: Lesson Plan Lame Duck Lessons – Holiday Edition (Middle School)Interactive video lesson plan for: The Lame Duck ExplainedWhat Is a Lame-Duck Presidency?How the 20th Amendment made lame-duck sessions less lame