Resignation

A resignation occurs when a person holding a position gained by election or appointment steps down. Leaving of a job upon the expiration of a term is not a resignation. Abdication is the equivalent of resignation of a reigning monarch or pope, or other holder of a non-political, hereditary or similar position.

Related Topics:
Abdication - Monarch - Pope

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A resignation is a personal decision to exit a position, though outside pressure exists in many cases. For example, Richard Nixon resigned from the office of President of the United States in 1974 following the Watergate scandal, when he was almost certain to have been impeached by Congress.

Related Topics:
Richard Nixon - President of the United States - 1974 - Watergate scandal - Impeached - Congress

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Resignation can be used politically, as in the Philippines July 2005 when ten cabinet officials resigned in order to put pressure on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to do the same over allegations of electoral fraud. Although government officials may tender their resignations, they are not always accepted. Alternatively, resignation as a procedure may be used as a political weapon. In 1995, the British Prime Minister, John Major, resigned as Leader of the Conservative Party in order to contest a leadership election with the aim of silencing his critics within the party and reassert his authority. Having resigned, he stood again and was re-elected.

Related Topics:
Philippines - Cabinet - President - Gloria Macapagal Arroyo - Allegations of electoral fraud - John Major - Conservative Party

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For many public figures, primarily departing politicians, resignation is an opportunity to deliver a valedictory speech in which they can elucidate the circumstances of their exit from office and in many cases deliver a powerful speech which often commands much attention. This can be used to great political effect, particularly as, subsequent to resigning, government ministers are no longer bound by collective responsibility and can speak with greater freedom about current issues.

Related Topics:
Speech - Collective responsibility

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