Lame Duck
A lame duck is an elected official nearing the end of their term, especially after losing reelection or deciding not to run again. “Lame-duck session” commonly refers to a legislative session held after an election but before the newly elected Congress begins.
A lame duck is an elected official nearing the end of their term, especially after losing reelection or deciding not to run again. “Lame-duck session” commonly refers to a legislative session held after an election but before the newly elected Congress begins.
Example: Members of the outgoing Congress may continue to vote on legislation during the period between the November election and the start of the new Congress in January.
Common misconception: A lame-duck official immediately loses legal authority. The official generally retains the powers of the office until the term ends, although political influence may change.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/RL34652; https://constitution.congress.gov/browse/article-2/section-1/