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At 10:44 a.m. on Feb. 10, the state senate of Nevada unanimously adopted Joint Resolution No. Six, joining 37 other state legislatures in ratifying a U.S. constitutional amendment--the 25th. Passed by the 89th Congress in July 1965, it sets forth long-needed mechanics for presidential succession.

Under the amendment, an incapacitated Chief Executive can himself declare in writing that he is unable to continue in office, and the Vice President can take over--at least temporarily. If an ailing President is unable or unwilling to step aside voluntarily, the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet can send a written statement to Congress declaring that the President is incapable of holding office. If the President were to challenge such a resolution, Congress itself would vote on the question. The amendment also authorizes the President to appoint, and Congress to confirm, a new Vice President if a vacancy occurs in that office.

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