If both the President and the Vice President are unable to serve, who assumes the role of President?

The Speaker of the House assumes the role of President if both the President and the Vice President are unable to serve. This process is outlined in the Presidential Succession Act. The Speaker, as the leader of the House of Representatives, is directly next in line after the Vice President in the presidential succession hierarchy. This order ensures a continuity of government and provides a clear pathway to leadership in times of crisis.

The other roles mentioned do not come before the Speaker in the line of succession. The Secretary of State, while a high-ranking official, is not next in line for the presidency. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate also follow the Speaker in the order of succession. Understanding this succession is key to knowing how the U.S. government is organized and functions during emergencies, ensuring that there is always a leader in place to uphold the responsibilities of the presidency.