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Get ready to celebrate all things "lame duck" on February 6, also known as National Lame Duck Day! This holiday may sound silly, but it actually has a significant political history behind it. It commemorates the last day of a president's term in office when they are considered a "lame duck", or someone who is still in power but has limited influence. The term originated in the 1700s and has since become a popular phrase used to describe any person or situation with limited power or influence. So let's take this day to appreciate the importance of transitions and new beginnings, while also having some fun with the concept of being a "lame duck".
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1700s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origination of Term "Lame Duck"</div><div class='timeline-text'>The phrase "lame duck" is believed to have originated in the 18th century, originating in the London Stock Exchange to describe a broker who couldn't meet their debts.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1863</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Use in Politics</div><div class='timeline-text'>The term "lame duck" was first used in a political context in the Congressional Globe (the predecessor to the Congressional Record) in reference to the 37th Congress.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1925</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Longest Lame Duck Session</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 1925, due to President Calvin Coolidge's refusal to call Congress into session, the Senate sat for the longest ever lame duck session at over 13 months.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1933</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>20th Amendment Ratified</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, reducing the lame duck period by moving the president's inauguration from March to January.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Lame Duck Day Created</div><div class='timeline-text'>In 2000, National Lame Duck Day was established to highlight the period between an election and the inauguration of a new U.S. President.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a "Lame Duck" themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative with decorations and food that play on the theme of "lame duck." This could include serving duck-shaped snacks or playing games like "Pin the Tail on the Lame Duck."</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch movies or TV shows about lame ducks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and watch movies or TV shows that feature characters who are considered "lame ducks." This could include political dramas or comedies that use the term in a humorous way.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a "Lame Duck" playlist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Put together a playlist of songs that relate to being a "lame duck." This could include songs about feeling stuck or unable to move forward, as well as songs with the word "duck" in the title or lyrics.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a "Lame Duck" scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Create a list of items or tasks that participants must complete, all related to the theme of being a "lame duck." This could include finding a picture of a duck wearing a top hat or taking a selfie with someone who has the word "duck" in their name.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write and perform a skit about lame ducks</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends and write a short skit or play that incorporates the theme of being a "lame duck." Then, perform it for others and see their reactions.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to the political process</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Lame Duck Day serves as a reminder of the role of "lame duck" politicians who are still in office after their successor has been elected. It sheds light on the challenges and limitations faced by these officials during this transitional period.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors historical moments in American politics</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Lame Duck Day also recognizes significant events and decisions made by lame duck politicians throughout history. This includes actions taken during presidential transitions, such as the pardoning of prisoners or signing executive orders.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It reminds us of the importance of a peaceful transition of power</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>As mentioned earlier, National Lame Duck Day highlights the challenges faced by outgoing officials during a change in administration. By recognizing and celebrating this day, we are reminded of the crucial role of a smooth and peaceful transfer of power in our democracy.</p></div></div>
National Lame Duck Day is celebrated on February 6 every year. In 2024 National Lame Duck Day will occur on a Tuesday.
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