If the president can no longer serve, who becomes president?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• The Vice President optional: (of the United States)

Our explanation

The Constitution says that if the President can no longer serve, the Vice President becomes President. This has happened when Presidents died in office. If both cannot serve, the Speaker of the House becomes President.

Remember it

First in line: the Vice President. After the Vice President: the Speaker of the House.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) p. 27: “The Constitution says that if the President can no longer serve, then the Vice President becomes President.”

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

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