What happens if the President can no longer serve?

Study for the High School Constitution Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct choice is that the Vice President becomes President if the current President can no longer serve. This process is established in the U.S. Constitution under the 25th Amendment, which details the presidential line of succession. When a sitting President dies, resigns, or is removed from office, the Vice President steps into the role to ensure continuity in leadership and the functioning of the executive branch.

This chain of succession is vital for maintaining stability within the government and ensuring that there is always a duly elected leader in place. The Vice President is elected alongside the President and is intended to support and stand in for the President when necessary. This clear protocol helps to prevent any ambiguity or power struggles within the government during transitional periods.

The other options do not correctly reflect the established protocols for presidential succession. The Speaker of the House, while an important congressional leader, is not next in line for the presidency; that role belongs to the Vice President. The Secretary of State and the Senate do not have authority in this specific situation regarding succession, as the Constitution designates the Vice President as the immediate successor to ensure a smooth transition of power.

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