us elections barack obama john mccain president white house george bush america 2008 survey

Description: his list includes only those persons who were sworn into office as President of the United States following the ratification of the United States Constitution, which took effect in 1789. For American leaders prior to this ratification, see President of the Continental Congress. The list does not include any Acting Presidents under Amendment XXV of the U.S. Constitution.The numerals indicate the consecutive time in office served by a single person. For example, George Washington served two consecutive terms & is counted as the first president (not the first & second). Gerald Ford assumed the presidency after the resignation of Richard Nixon, serving out the remainder of what would have been Nixon's second term. The fact that Ford was not voted into office does not affect the numbering, which makes him the 38th president. Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms & is counted chronologically as both the 22nd & the 24th president. Due to this reason, the list below contains 43 presidencies, but only 42 people.