It's a pretty well known story that Andrew Jackson's inauguration day in 1829 was pretty wild. So many people crowded into the White House that Jackson was nearly crushed against a wall and had to be escorted out by a ring of men.
So what if he was crushed ?
Or if the strain of the crowds caused the building to collapse ?
Jackson becomes a trivia question as the President with the shortest term (a couple hours) and John C. Calhoun becomes POTUS.
Or does he ?
It was somewhat controversial in 1841 when John Tyler assumed the Presidency, some arguing he would only "act as President" since that is what the actual text said
(Article II section 1 stated "In case of the removal of the President from office, or of his death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the said office, the same shall devolve on the Vice President, and the Congress may by law provide for the case of removal, death, resignation or inability, both of the President and Vice President, declaring what officer shall then act as President, and such officer shall act accordingly, until the disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.")
Some of the drafters of the Constitution (including Madison) were still alive in 1829 so what might they have said ?
If they determined a new election was required we might have seen a series of special elections and/or an amendment to clarify.
Assuming Calhoun does serve, how does he react to South Carolina and nullification issue?
If he supports SC does this set a precedent and what does this do to things like the Fugitive Slave Act ?
What do you folks thing ?
I'll post my own thoughts soon but would love feedback