The 'lame duck' Congress: an uninspired history
Congressional activity that occurs after an election but before new lawmakers are sworn in, such as that now getting under way in Washington, is called a “lame-duck session.” A lawmaker who has been defeated but gets to return to Capitol Hill and cast votes one last time is called a “lame duck.” Where did this colorful avian-based language originate?
Like many aspects of US politics, it apparently has its roots in England. In the late 1700s, a “lame duck” was a British stockbroker who could not meet his debts. The image seems apt – such a broker would have damaged prospects and be unable to keep up with the rest of his flock of peers....
Some US lame-duck periods were disasters. Until 1937, modern presidential inaugurations came in early March, and the long lame-duck interregnum encouraged drift at times of crisis....
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Like many aspects of US politics, it apparently has its roots in England. In the late 1700s, a “lame duck” was a British stockbroker who could not meet his debts. The image seems apt – such a broker would have damaged prospects and be unable to keep up with the rest of his flock of peers....
Some US lame-duck periods were disasters. Until 1937, modern presidential inaugurations came in early March, and the long lame-duck interregnum encouraged drift at times of crisis....