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

The Speaker of the House becomes the President if both the President and Vice President can no longer serve. This line of succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act, which outlines the order in which officials may assume the presidency in the event of a vacancy. The Speaker of the House, as the leader of the House of Representatives, holds a significant and pivotal role in this succession process.

The reasoning behind this choice is rooted in the principle of elected representation. The Speaker is not only an elected official but also stands as a representative of the will of the people, thereby providing a democratic continuity in the executive branch. This choice reflects the importance of maintaining a link to the electorate, even in succession scenarios.

The other positions mentioned, while important within the government structure, do not have the same constitutional basis for presidential succession. The Secretary of State, Chief Justice, and President pro tempore of the Senate have their own separate roles and responsibilities, but the system prioritizes the Speaker for continuity of leadership after the President and Vice President.