U.S. Presidents

How Many U.S. Presidents Have There Been?

This list of presidents in order has 47 names, but the number of individuals to have served as president is 45. The difference is due to the non-consecutive terms of Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump. For more information please visit our Are there 45 or 47 presidents? page.

How is the President of the United States elected?

Every four years an election is held and all U.S. citizens age 18 and older are eligible to vote. This popular vote determines the makeup of the electoral college, which actually elects the president. The electoral college consists of 538 members, which is equal to the number of members of Congress each state has plus 3 for the District of Columbia. In all but two states the members of the electoral college (electors) are awarded to supporters of the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. Maine and Nebraska select electors based on who wins the popular vote in each congressional district and 2 electors are awarded based on the winner of the statewide popular vote. If no candidate receives a majority of the electoral vote the House of Representatives selects from among the three presidential candidates receiving the most electoral votes.

What are the qualifications to become President?

The U.S. Constitution has three main qualifications for president: (1) a natural born citizen, (2) 35 years of age, and (3) has resided in the United States for at least 14 years. In addition, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution limits the president to two terms in office, with the exception of a vice president who becomes president and serves more than two years of an unexpired term. In this case only one additional term is allowed. The oath of office must also be taken before assuming the duties of the office.

Can a president serve more than two terms?

No, the 22nd Amendment states, "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice" meaning that once someone is elected president two times they cannot run for election again, even if they resign before their term ends. In addition, someone previously twice elected cannot run for or be appointed as the Vice President as the 12th Amendment states, "no person constitutionally ineligible to the office of President shall be eligible to that of Vice-President of the United States." Currently, the following individuals are not eligible to run for or serve another term as president: Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.

Can a President Be Removed from Office?

There are two ways in which a president can be removed from office (aside from death or resignation):

(1) Impeachment: The impeachment process charges the president with treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanor and originates in the House of Representatives. If the House votes to approve the impeachment charges, the Senate holds a trial presided over by the Chief Justice to hear the evidence and each individual senator has one vote to convict or acquit. There have been three presidents impeached (see our Presidential Impeachments page) but none were convicted and removed from office.

(2) 25th Amendment: If the Vice President and majority of the Cabinet submit to Congress a written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office, the Vice President assumes the power and duties of the office as Acting President. The President may submit a written declaration that no inability exists, but if the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet disagree with this declaration, Congress will determine by two-thirds vote whether or not the President will resume his powers and duties of the office.

What if a President dies in office, resigns, or is removed from office?

If a president dies, resigns or is removed from office after being convicted by the Senate through the impeachment process, the Vice President becomes president. If the office of Vice President is vacant, then the Speaker of the House of Representatives becomes president. The Order of Presidential Succession determines who would become president if the office remains vacant.