If the president can no longer serve, who takes over as president?

When the president can no longer serve, the vice president is the individual designated to assume the presidency. This succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act and the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The vice president is seen as the immediate successor because they are elected on the same ticket as the president, thereby ensuring continuity of leadership.

This system is built around the importance of having a clear and direct line of authority. The vice president's role as second-in-command prepares them for this situation, as they are typically involved in the daily functions of the administration and have a comprehensive understanding of national issues.

While other positions, such as the Secretary of State, the Speaker of the House, and the President pro tempore of the Senate, have significant roles within the government, they do not hold the same constitutional authority or direct succession rights as the vice president does in scenarios where the presidency becomes vacant.