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Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office, November 1963
USCIS Civics · Question 40 of 128

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

Official Answer

The Vice President (of the United States)

In plain English

If the president can no longer serve, the vice president becomes president. This has happened nine times in American history. For example, when President Kennedy died in 1963, Vice President Lyndon Johnson became president the same day. If the president can no longer serve, the vice president becomes president.

From the archives

Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office, November 1963
Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office, November 1963Cecil W. Stoughton, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Image: Lyndon B. Johnson taking the oath of office, November 1963 — Cecil W. Stoughton, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.Answers verbatim from USCIS M-1778 (09/25)