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Content-rich TLS, signed "Gerald R. Ford," one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 23, 2000. Fascinating letter regarding the Constitution of the United States, his succession of President Richard Nixon, and the 25th Amendment. In full: "Amendment 25 to the United States Constitution, ratified February 10, 1967, is solid evidence that the Constitution is a 'living instrument.'
Until the 25th Amendment was approved, the Constitution was deficient in not providing for a procedure for filling a vacancy in the office of the Vice President. Under Article V of the Constitution, amendments to the basic document can be proposed and approved by two thirds of the Congress and ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several states. The amending procedure, along with the Constitution amending procedure, incorporated in the Constitution is evidence that our forefathers anticipated that as our nation moved forward in the years ahead changes would be required in the document itself.
With the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew in 1973, the 25th Amendment was used for the first time resulting in my nomination of October 14th, to the office of Vice President by President Nixon. The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives confirmed, on December 6, 1973, my nomination under the Amendment to the Constitution.
When President Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974, I was sworn in as President of the United States. The sequence of events again resulted in a vacancy in the Vice Presidency. I then nominated Nelson Rockefeller for the office of Vice President and the U.S. Congress confirmed by a majority vote.
The above cited events clearly demonstrates that the drafters of the U.S. Constitution expected that Amendments in the document would be essential to meet any deficiencies in the basic provisions. A 'living instrument' is one that provides a procedure for changed circumstances. Fortunately, Article V in the Constitution gave to our nation the capability to meet future challenges." In very fine condition.
From the Collection of Paul K. Carr, former UACC President and Noted Expert.
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