Why is there such an extended period of time between a Presidential election and when the President-elect takes office? It seems to me this time period allows for all kinds of shenanigans -- from shredding documents, pushing through judical appointments for the losing side, and having Senate leadership positions filled before new senators arrive to take their positions.
How did this practice of a large gap of time get started? Who started it? Is it an actual legal thing or just a convention?
The inauguration used to be on March 4th and wasn’t moved to January 20th until the FDR administration. I agree with you. Congress should be sworn in just after midnight on January 1, immediately vote on the state certifications for president, and inaugurate the president an hour or two later. All of it should be aired publicly.