U.S. Presidents/Introduction

As the leader of powerful country, the President of the United States is one of the most powerful figures in the world. Being president is an enormous responsibility; the officeholder is both the country's head of state and head of government as well as and commander-in-chief of its military. The president is the chief executive, tasked to enforce the law and to protect, preserve, and defend the Constitution. As of 2025, forty-five people, all men, have had the privilege to lead the United States. The president is joined by their vice president, whose main duty is to assume office if the president is no longer able to serve, and their cabinet, a team of senior executive officers who advise and assist the president. The president's spouse and children are referred to as the First Family.

Every four years, on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November, American voters select their choice for president and vice president. The winners are inaugurated the following January 20th to a four-year term. Since 1952, no one can be elected to the presidency more than twice. To be president one needs to be a natural-born citizen of the United States, at least thirty-five years old, and have been a permanent resident of the United States for at least fourteen years. Most presidents held other government roles, such as state governor or member of Congress, but there are many paths to the presidency. Ready to take a look at who's made it to the top so far? Then read on!