Question

When is a president most likely to exercise his power to pardon?

a) At the beginning of their term

b) During an election year

c) During the lame-duck period

d) On Independence Day

Answer 1

The President is most likely to exercise their power to pardon during the lame-duck period.

Step-by-step explanation:

The power to pardon is most likely to be exercised by the President during the lame-duck period. This is the period of time between the election of a new President and the inauguration of the incoming President. During this time, a President may be more inclined to use their pardon power without fear of political backlash or impact on their own re-election. Examples of presidents using their power to pardon during the lame-duck period include President Gerald Ford pardoning Richard Nixon and President Donald Trump granting numerous pardons at the end of his presidency.