President of the United States

The President of the United States is the head of state and head of government of the United States, and the chief executive of the federal government.

The President of the United States is the head of state and head of government of the United States, and the chief executive of the federal government. The office was created by Article II of the U.S. Constitution, and the president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president is elected through the Electoral College for a four-year term, and the Twenty-second Amendment limits a person to being elected to two presidential terms.

Constitutional role

Article II of the U.S. Constitution creates the executive branch and places executive power in the president. The office combines national leadership, enforcement of federal law, and oversight of executive administration. The president also serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and appoints federal executive, diplomatic, regulatory, and judicial officers.

Election and term limits

Presidents are chosen indirectly through the Electoral College and serve four-year terms. Since 1951, the Twenty-second Amendment has limited presidents to two elected terms. The vice president is elected on the same ticket as the president.

Historical succession

George Washington was the first president of the United States, taking office in 1789. The office has since been held across 47 presidencies by 45 individuals. Grover Cleveland and Donald Trump are the only presidents to serve non-consecutive terms.

Current officeholder

Donald Trump is the 47th and current president of the United States, having taken office on January 20, 2025. He previously served as the 45th president from 2017 to 2021.