If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

The correct answer is that the Speaker of the House becomes President if both the President and the Vice President are unable to serve. This succession is outlined in the Presidential Succession Act of 1947, which establishes the order of succession to the presidency.

The Speaker of the House is the highest-ranking member of Congress and is elected by the members of the House of Representatives. This role is significant because it represents the legislative branch of government, making it a logical choice to succeed the presidency in the event that the two highest executive leaders are unable to fulfill their duties.

Other positions listed, such as the Senate Majority Leader or the Secretary of State, do not hold a higher rank in the presidential succession order than the Speaker of the House. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court also does not have a role in presidential succession; this position is primarily judicial rather than executive. Therefore, the Speaker's role as the next in line reinforces the system of checks and balances within the U.S. government, ensuring that political leadership remains within the legislative branch following an unexpected vacancy in the presidency.