Answer:
The concept of a "designated survivor" is an essential component of ensuring the continuity of government in the event of a catastrophic event, such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster. While the primary focus of this practice has been on the Executive Branch, it is worth considering whether other branches of government could benefit from having designated survivors.
In particular, the Legislative Branch could potentially benefit from having a designated survivor in place. Given the critical role that Congress plays in the functioning of our government, it is vital that there be a contingency plan in place to ensure that legislative business can continue in the event of an emergency.
For example, if a significant number of members of Congress were incapacitated or killed in a terrorist attack, it could severely disrupt the government's ability to pass laws and conduct other essential business. Having a designated survivor in place could help mitigate this risk and ensure that the legislative branch can continue to function.
Similarly, there may be value in having designated survivors in place for other branches of government, such as the Judicial Branch. While the risk of an attack on the judiciary may be lower than on other branches, having a contingency plan in place could help ensure that the rule of law can be maintained in the event of an emergency.
In conclusion, while the primary focus of the designated survivor practice has been on the Executive Branch, there may be value in extending this practice to other branches of government. By doing so, we can help ensure that our government can continue to function in the face of unexpected events, and help safeguard the continuity of our democracy.