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

The Vice President becomes president if the sitting president can no longer serve. This succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act and reinforced by the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. These provisions ensure a clear line of succession to maintain stability in the executive branch of government.

The Vice President is next in line due to their role and the fact that they are elected alongside the president on the same ticket. This arrangement is crucial for continuity in governance and leadership, allowing for a smooth transition of power in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity of a president.

The positions listed in other options have their own distinct roles, such as the Secretary of State, who handles foreign affairs, and the House Speaker, who leads the House of Representatives. The Chief Justice presides over the Supreme Court and is not involved in the presidential succession. While these officials play significant roles in the government, none of them is designated to assume the presidency in such a scenario.