During coverage of yesterday's inauguration ceremonies, it was reported that one of President Obama's first official acts was signing the nominations of Cabinet appointees. For weeks I've been wondering how it is that the Senate begins consideration of such nominations before the President-Elect takes office. That seems inconsistent with our having "one President at a time".
Among the questions to which I seek answers are:
1. Are any nominees ever confirmed before the President-Elect takes office. If so, do those so approved take office upon confirmation, or only upon the Inauguration of the new President?
2. Do the outgoing administration's Cabinet officers stay in office until their successors are confirmed? If not, who is in charge of a Department without a Secretary?