With the presidential winner decided, what happens now?

(CNN) -- Now that Vice President Al Gore has conceded and George W. Bush has been declared the winner in last month's presidential race, the Electoral College must formally name Bush president-elect and he must begin the business of assembling a government. Here are some key dates in that process:

  • States must have their presidential electors certified by Tuesday. The Florida Legislature had been poised to name electors itself if the election contest had remained unresolved.

  • Bush already has begun discussions with several top advisers about possible appointments to his Cabinet and other offices under the authority of the White House. Appointments are expected to be announced quickly.

  • On Dec. 18, the electors convene in their state capitals to cast ballots for president and vice president as the Electoral College.

  • On Jan. 3, 2001, the 107th Congress convenes. Once its organizational business is conducted, it is likely to hold confirmation hearings for the first of Bush's appointees.

  • By Jan. 6, 2001, under the U.S. Constitution, Congress must certify the Electoral College results.

  • On Jan. 20, the new president takes office.