What is the Center for Presidential Transition^®?

January 6 Hearings: During the month of June, congressional leaders will conduct public hearings into the January 6th attack on the Capitol. This unprecedented event tested the durability of our nation’s most fundamental democratic tradition—the peaceful transfer of power.   

Here are several key resources to inform your watching of these important hearings:

• What Happens During a Transition Period: An overview of the activities and dynamics of a presidential transition that take place before and after Election Day. 

• Top 15 Costs of Delaying the Presidential Transition: A list of the challenges created by delaying ascertainment, the process by which the federal government initiates formal transition. In the 2020 election, ascertainment was declared on November 23, 20 days after Election Day. 

• How does the GSA “ascertain” the outcome of an election? An inside look at the GSA, ascertainment and the 2000 election: An explanation of ascertainment and historical context from the 2000 presidential election. 

• The 2020-21 Presidential Transition: Lessons Learned and Recommendations: A full analysis of the 2020-21 transition with recommendations to strengthen and safeguard the presidential transition process. 

• Presidential Transition Act Summary: A description of the provisions in the Presidential Transition Act of 1963—the primary law prescribing requirements and procedures in the presidential transition process.