A recent release by scholars reveals the official ranking of U.S. presidents, showcasing Donald Trump and Joe Biden at opposite ends of the spectrum. The ranking emerged from the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, which engaged 154 experts from the American Political Science Association with a focus on presidential politics.
Over the course of November to December, participants rated each president on a scale of zero to 100 based on their greatness, with these averages forming the official ranking.
At the pinnacle of the list of Official Ranking of U.S. Presidents 2024 stands Abraham Lincoln, followed closely by Franklin Roosevelt and George Washington, all recognized as some of the nation’s most esteemed leaders.
Joe Biden secured the 14th spot in official ranking of U.S. Presidents, just above Woodrow Wilson, placing him within the top third of U.S. presidents. Conversely, Donald Trump received the lowest possible scores, ultimately landing in the final position, trailing only James Buchanan, who presided over a deeply divided nation prior to the Civil War.
Noteworthy shifts were observed in this survey compared to previous iterations. Barack Obama notably ascended nine places, progressing from 16th to seventh since the survey’s inception in 2015. Similarly, Ulysses Grant saw a notable rise in rankings, moving from 26th to 17th place.
Conversely, Andrew Jackson fell from ninth to 21st place, and Calvin Coolidge dropped from 27th to 34th. Survey respondents were also tasked with identifying the most and least polarizing presidents. Donald Trump emerged as the most polarizing figure, closely followed by Andrew Jackson and Barack Obama.
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On the other end of the spectrum, George Washington, Dwight Eisenhower, and Abraham Lincoln were deemed the least polarizing. Respondents highlighted Jimmy Carter, Ulysses Grant, and George H.W. Bush as the most underrated president.
Furthermore, when asked which president should be added to Mt. Rushmore, an overwhelming majority, 65%, advocated for Roosevelt, with Obama following at 11%.
It is important to note that there is no one “official” ranking of U.S. presidents. Different historians and scholars have different criteria for evaluating presidents, and their rankings can vary accordingly. However, some of the most common factors that are considered in Official Ranking of U.S. Presidents include:
- The president’s achievements in office, such as passing important legislation, winning wars, or improving the economy.
- The president’s character and leadership qualities, such as their honesty, integrity, and ability to inspire others.
- The president’s impact on American history, such as their role in shaping the country’s institutions, culture, or society.
Based on these factors, some of the presidents who are most often ranked highly in Official Ranking of U.S. Presidents include:
- Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln is generally considered to be one of the greatest presidents in American history. He led the country through the Civil War, preserved the Union, and abolished slavery.
- George Washington: Washington was the first president of the United States and played a key role in shaping the country’s early institutions. He is also admired for his military leadership and his character.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt: Roosevelt led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. He is credited with implementing a number of social and economic programs that helped to lift the country out of depression.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Roosevelt was a progressive reformer who made significant strides in areas such as conservation, trust-busting, and labor rights. He is also known for his adventurous personality and his foreign policy accomplishments.
It is important to remember that these are just a few of the many presidents who have made significant contributions to American history. Each president has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and their legacies continue to be debated by historians and scholars today.
Content Contributor: Rehana Sengupta
