Fascinating trivia and things you didn't know about some of America's most interesting, influential, and controversial people. 

Real American Heroes

Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, was more than the man behind the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/facts-about-new-world-wonders/setareh-janda">Panama Canal</a> and the inspiration for the teddy bear. He was a cowboy. A soldier. An explorer.When Teddy Roosevelt, or T.R. as he was commonly known, was a child, he had health issues. He overcame these by living what he called a "strenuous life." That's putting it lightly.&nbsp;These Teddy Roosevelt facts -&nbsp;from stories of Roosevelt exploring unchartered rivers to leading military battles - reveal he lived far more than a strenuous life. He lived one of the most insanely cool lives in American history. Here are some <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/craziest-stories-us-presidents/elle-tharp">cool and dramatic things</a> Teddy Roosevelt did.

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Lists about the history and quirks of America's highest office.

The American Presidency

Weird History

The health of <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-u-s-presidents-from-best-to-worst">US Presidents</a> is a well-kept secret, especially while they&rsquo;re in office.&nbsp;The public is on a need-to-know basis, and, generally speaking, the government doesn&#39;t&nbsp;think the public needs to know at all &ndash; especially when it comes to presidents&#39; illnesses.&nbsp;From George Washington to Teddy Roosevelt to Barack Obama, presidents have suffered from various ailments before, during, and after holding their positions. Considering how unwell some of these guys were, it&#39;s amazing they accomplished anything at all during their <a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/us-president-first-100-days/stephanroget" target="_blank">first 100 days in office</a>.

Some presidents were pretty healthy from a young age;&nbsp;others were sickly during their whole lives, and others were plagued with maladies on and off &ndash;&nbsp;no actual instances of plague, though, luckily. However, some of these presidential ailments might just surprise you.

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Every U.S. President &amp; Every Medical Problem They've Ever Had

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All The Medical Ailments Of Every US President

Melissa Sartore

Everything you didn't know about the so-called leaders of the free world, from their favorite foods to their pets' names.

U.S. Presidents

US History

The death of a president is always a big deal, whether it is unexpected - such as John F. Kennedy&#39;s assassination - or predictable, like Ronald Reagan&#39;s death after suffering from Alzheimer&#39;s disease for ten years. While former presidents always get the full memorial Monty, the death of a sitting president can cause political upheaval as the successor takes the reigns. But just how many US presidents have died? Sure, you probably have a rough idea, but do you know the circumstances of their deaths and the legacy they left behind?&nbsp;

Looking to the past is crucial to understanding the present. And knowing how all the US presidents died - especially the ones that died in office - can shed some light on our current political situation. In total, 39 US presidents have passed on. Keep reading to learn about all the US president deaths that have happened since the inception of our country.

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How All The Departed US Presidents Have Died

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How All the Departed US Presidents Have Died

Mel Judson

Lists about some of the most extraordinary women who made history, forever changing the world and how we see it.

Well-Behaved Women

Lists about the first ladies who have reached America's highest status (for women) — being married to the President — from Martha Washington to Hillary Clinton to Melania Trump. 

FLOTUS: America's Mom

Who are those people who lived in the White House, making appearances and speeches and promises and mistakes? To understand them, you must get to know the spouses, children, and even siblings of U.S. Presidents, past and present. 

The First Family

Julia Gardiner Tyler

Before the revolutionary Eleanor Roosevelt or the glamorous Jackie O, there was Julia Gardiner Tyler, the second wife of President John Tyler. Despite the fact she became First Lady in the 1800s -&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ranker.com/list/different-waves-of-feminism-and-what-they-mean/rylee_en">a stifling and oppressive era for women</a> - Julia Gardiner Tyler was bold, brazen, and fabulous. The wild side of Tyler's young bride was much gossiped about, but rather than letting the headlines dictate her life, Tyler dictated the headlines. She branded herself into the first celebrity First Lady through her opulent and dramatic lifestyle. She was the opposite of modesty in a time where women were meant to be modest to the core.&nbsp;Wild stories about Julia Gardiner Tyler make her one of the most scandalous first ladies in history. She was a strong, independent woman who did what she wanted when she wanted. These facts about Julia Gardiner Tyler and her unconventional life might make her story even more interesting that that of her husband.&nbsp;

16 Facts About Julia Tyler, The Most Controversial First Lady of the 1800s

16 Facts About Julia Gardiner Tyler, A Scandalous First Lady

Elle Tharp

Welcome to the main event of the highest office. In this hypothetical battle royale, 45 presidents will enter, but only one will leave. Though current technological limitations prevent us from actually seeing who would win in an ultimate presidential fist fight, there&#39;s nothing stopping anyone from wildly speculating about the results. And just because there&#39;s no such thing as a definitive answer, that doesn&#39;t mean there aren&#39;t right answers and wrong answers.

Whether it be their physical stature, combative nature, or previous experience throwing down, some presidents would undoubtedly have a pugilistic advantage over others. Some presidents never raised a fist in their lives, while others threw hands and faced down death on the regular. In a melee, anything goes - and even the Electoral College can&#39;t protect them in the pit.

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Lists about what's going on on Capitol Hill and in your own backyard.

US Government & Politics

As the amount of money the US owes to its debtors, the national debt is a subject for politicians, the media, and observers worldwide.&nbsp;The national debt of the United States has gone up and down throughout its long history, as one might expect, and is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fiscaldata.treasury.gov/datasets/historical-debt-outstanding/historical-debt-outstanding">tracked by the US Treasury</a>. Multiple factors influence the rise and decline of the national debt - everything from annual budget surpluses and deficits to massive war funding.&nbsp;As a result, paying off the national debt is not easy. From the outset, the US Congress controlled the “purse strings” of the government, specifically the House of Representatives. The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://history.house.gov/Institution/Origins-Development/Power-of-the-Purse/"> US Constitution articulated:</a><blockquote>All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments as on other Bills. (Article 1, section 7, clause, 1)No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time. (Article 1, section 9, clause 7)</blockquote>&nbsp;That said, cooperation among Congressional houses as well as with the President of the United States is needed to a large extent, especially when political parties enter into the mix. The role of Congress in establishing a debt limit for the nation has also been a factor in how the two branches interact and just how much the debt has increased. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-markets-financial-institutions-and-fiscal-service/debt-limit">According to the Treasury Department,</a> “Congress has acted 78 separate times to permanently raise, temporarily extend, or revise the definition of the debt limit” since 1960.&nbsp;All of this is why the timeline of the national debt of the US is a fascinating glimpse at the history of the nation and its role on the global stage.&nbsp;

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What The National Debt Of The US Was At The Beginning And End Of Every Presidency

The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://govtrackus.s3.amazonaws.com/legislink/pdf/stat/2/STATUTE-2-Pg443a.pdf"> Insurrection Act of 1807</a> serves as a mechanism by which the President of the United States has the power to deploy US military troops to locations within the United States if an insurrection or domestic violence arises. The US president also has the authority to federalize National Guard Troops within individual states.The Insurrection Act has been used numerous times in American history, often invoked at the request of a state governor. This isn't always true, however, as the Act is remains an exemption to the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/posse-comitatus-revisited-use-military-civil-law-enforcement"> Posse Comitatus Act of 1878,</a> designed to limit presidential authority to use the US military to enforce domestic law within the country.Several US presidents have invoked the Insurrection Act multiple times - one Commander-in-Chief even used it on six different occasions. And, on rare and illegal occasion, a general within the US military used it, too. Understanding when, how, and why the Insurrection Act has been used provides a fascinating look at a unique part of American history.&nbsp;

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History

There are 27 Amendments to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/constitution.htm#preamble">the United States Constitution</a>, the last of which was passed in 1992. The Amendments run the gamut in terms of topic and applicability, ranging from the fundamental freedoms found in the First Amendment to the abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude in the 13th Amendment to the regulation of Congressional salaries in the 27th Amendment.&nbsp;Clauses and nuances within Amendments exist, of course, and as a result, some of them are more straightforward than others. The 25th Amendment, for example, was ratified in 1967 and addresses the circumstances by which a United States President or Vice President may be removed from office, replaced, or considered unable to carry out the office for a time.&nbsp;There are four sections to the 25th Amendment, although they have not all been invoked - yet. Here's what each of the sections does, when it's been used (if ever) and why, and when it could be applicable in the future.

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The President of the United States is an esteemed position respected worldwide, but not all US presidents have been created equal. Numerous Commanders-in-Chief in American history have broken rules, defied orders, rejected norms, and openly violated laws.As a result, some Presidents of the United States fall into a category one might call “corrupt.” They created controversies, were surrounded by scandal and, at times, found themselves mired in legal proceedings. The presidents most associated with corruption all had their own circumstances with which to contend and their actions unfolded in very different ways.&nbsp;Even the most beloved of American presidents are not without their critics. Abraham Lincoln is at the top of<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-u-s-presidents-from-best-to-worst"> the list of best US presidents</a>, while George Washington isn't close behind. They're not tainted by corruption, however, and certainly don't have the same association with impropriety and illegality as the presidents listed here.&nbsp;So, within the presidents accused of - and proven to be guilty of - corruption, it's up to you to decide which ones were the worst.

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Lists about the family, life, and tragic end of one of America's most popular and controversial figures, 35th President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963).

The Rise and Fall of Camelot

John F. Kennedy

When Marilyn Monroe sang “Happy birthday, Mr. President” at Madison Square Garden on May 19, 1962, it was likely the most famous rendition of the song ever. Monroe offered a breathy, sultry version of the song while wearing a curve-hugging dress that was practically see-through under the big lights.&nbsp;The event was star-studded for more reasons than one celebrity's performance, however, and there was more that went on at the big birthday bash than people realize. Even though the birthday party took place ten days before his actual birthday - and wasn't the only birthday celebration he attended that day - the Birthday Salute to President Kennedy was one for the history books.&nbsp;Hosted by businesswoman and political advisor Anna Rosenberg and entertainment lawyer Arthur Grim, the Birthday Salute to President Kennedy was Monroe's final public performance and the last time she and JFK ever saw each other. What went into planning the Birthday Salute to President Kennedy and the behind-the-scenes drama associated with it often fade under the spotlight on Monroe and the President. How they got there to begin with is as fascinating as the what happened in public view on the night of May 19, 1962.

What Actually Happened When Marilyn Monroe Serenaded JFK With 'Happy Birthday'

Hot professional men making waves throughout history. This isn't your grandmother's list of sexy dudes - or is it?

Very Important Heartthrobs

Before the invention of photography (1822), the wealthy donned their fanciest duds, sat perfectly still for hours on end, and let artists do their best to make them look attractive. Let's rank.

Portrait Gallery

Ladies and gentlemen: It's time to rank the hottest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/what-us-presidents-would-look-like-today/garri-chaverst">US Presidents</a> of all time. The leader of the free world is a powerful individual, and sure, power is attractive. But which of these potentates would be sexy without the the ability to veto laws? This gallery will show you pictures of all of the POTUSes of the past, with photos when available and oil paintings when not. It also features each President in their prime, before the tolls of the job claimed their metabolism, youthful glow, and lustrous hair (unless he was one of the guys who always wore a powdered wig, in which case he looks old in all of his portraits). Who was the hottest American President? Vote up the ones who get your red white and blue blood flowing and your pantaloons in a twist.While it may be difficult to separate personal politics from lusts of the flesh, try to be objective here. This list is only about raw physical appearance, not anyone's stance on abortion or the Tea Act of 1773. Consider that many of these brilliant and charming men were also athletes and military veterans. Actor-turned-politician Ronald Reagan was even nicknamed "The Gipper" after playing a strapping young football star in a 1940 film. At 42, JFK was famously the youngest man ever elected to the White House, but did you know that Theodore Roosevelt was 86 days younger when he assumed office following the assassination of William McKinley? Did you?? Also, 47-year-old Grover Cleveland - who was both the 22nd and 24th President - married a 21-year-old while in office, so make of that what you will.Rutherford B. Hayes looked like he could break your heart. A colored photograph of Ulysses S. Grant shows him looking a little like Michael Fassbender. College-age Richard Nixon is a dead ringer for Harvey Keitel. On the other end of the spectrum are some pretty doughy old dudes who may not have ever made it if their faces had been plastered all over magazines and TV (cough Martin Van Buren). Vote and rerank to make a definitive list of all the US Presidents, ranked most handsome to fugliest.

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The Hottest US Presidents, Ranked

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The Best Looking US Presidents, Ranked

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Lists about some of the worst people to ever live and the very bad ways things they did when they let their power go to their heads.

Real Historical Villains

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, is a divisive historical figure whose legacy prompts debate and controversy to this day. The question, "Why was Andrew Jackson a bad president?" often emerges in discussions about American history, revealing a complex tapestry of actions and policies that have led many to view him in a negative light. His tenure in the White House, from 1829 to 1837, continues to be scrutinized for policies that are now seen by many as deeply flawed and harmful, particularly in regards to civil rights and economic decisions.Focusing on aspects like the infamous Indian Removal Act, his vehement opposition to the national bank, and his endorsement of slavery, this exploration delves into the reasons behind this tarnished reputation. We'll consider the stark contrasts between his populist persona as a champion of the common man and the authoritative tactics that earned him the moniker "King Andrew." As we navigate the complexities of Jackson's presidency, we aim to understand how his actions in office have contributed to a historical verdict that, for many, casts him not as a hero, but as a figure synonymous with injustice and oppression.

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An intelligence quotient test (IQ test)&nbsp;is a series of standardized tests used to gauge and assess a person's intelligence. While most people will never take a formal IQ test,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/crazy-things-people-do-to-boost-iqs/cynthia-griffith">high IQs</a> have nevertheless always been a topic of public interest.In recent history, US president IQs have been the&nbsp;subject of debate and discussion. This is in part due to&nbsp;Donald Trump's perpetual tweeting about his high IQ during the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/controversial-american-elections/kellen-perry">controversial election cycle</a> of 2016. This led people to wonder who the smartest and dumbest presidents were throughout history.&nbsp;A president's IQ is rarely made public, and many United States presidents were born before the modern IQ test was invented. Nevertheless, many psychological studies have provided educated guesses of presidential IQ based on a variety of factors.&nbsp;When it comes to IQ scores, a score over 140 is considered genius level. Research indicates most presidents fall somewhere around 130, but&nbsp;that doesn't mean America has never had a genius in the Oval Office. There are outliers on either side, with many presidents'&nbsp;IQs being higher or lower than average. If you're curious to learn where our presidents rank in terms of intellectual prowess, browse the list below, ranked from highest to lowest.

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All The US Presidents, Ranked By IQ

Ranking The US Presidents By IQ

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Lists about the brilliant and fascinating men who led the American Revolution and created the documents that established these United States of America.

Our Founding Fathers

Thomas Jefferson

Most people know the story of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings. He was a Founding Father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and a slave-owning Southern farmer. She was his property. Their relationship allegedly&nbsp;began in 1787, when Hemings was just 14&nbsp;years old. Over the next three decades, Jefferson had as many as six children with her.There are many <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/founding-fathers-horrifying-facts/isadora-teich">horrifying stories about the Founding Fathers</a>, but perhaps one of the most unscrupulous among them was Jefferson. Jefferson, who did other&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.ranker.com/list/reasons-thomas-jefferson-was-awful/stephanroget">pretty awful things</a>, also broke his promise to the mother of his children: he swore to free her and their progeny, but it didn't happen until he passed away.&nbsp;Jefferson and Hemings's Black descendants&nbsp;have faced discrimination within the Jefferson family. Jefferson's white descendants showed their prejudice when they stated they didn't believe <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tjrs.monticello.org/letter/1266">Jefferson&nbsp;would</a> "rear a race of half breeds."&nbsp;Even when DNA evidence finally proved Jefferson was the father of Hemings's children, some white descendants continued&nbsp;to deny it.

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The position of President of the United States has a gravitas that comes with the role. The Chief Executive is held in high esteem, treated with respect, and generally considered someone who earned their position due to their past actions, moral character, and personal and professional choices.&nbsp;As a result, it can be pretty easy to forget that American presidents are and were just people prone to making mistakes and conducting themselves in ways that seem anything bout presidential. George Washington, for example, is considered a war hero and military genius. That said, he lost more battles than he ever won and actually started a war that lasted for seven years.&nbsp;A lot of information about US presidents gets lost in legacy and lore. It turns out, there was a lot of unstatesmanly behavior going on under the surface.&nbsp;

Little-Known Facts About US Presidents Buried By Their Legacies

Facts About US Presidents No One Would Expect

John F. Kennedy assassination

On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Arguably the crime of the century, Kennedy&#39;s murder stunned&nbsp;the American people and set off an outpouring of grief around the world. But the days after JFK&#39;s assassination also involved additionally shocking events and dramatic moments, from his <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/jfk-funeral-small-poignant-details/jim-rowley" target="_blank">funeral service</a> to the search for his assassin.

In the immediate aftermath of the JFK assassination, Kennedy&#39;s alleged assassin, Lee Harvey&nbsp;Oswald, was&nbsp;shot to death live on American television. Oswald&#39;s background as a former resident of the Soviet Union, his Russian wife, and connections to communist Cuba added a cold war component to the assassination. The sketchy background of Oswald&#39;s assassin, Jack Ruby, also quickly&nbsp;fomented numerous conspiracy theories that became an integral part of any future discussion of JFK&#39;s&nbsp;assassination - one of these even claims <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/lincoln-kennedy-similarities-urban-legend/zach-seemayer" target="_blank">countless eerie coincidences</a> between Kennedy&#39;s life and that of Abraham Lincoln. What happened following the assassination of John F. Kennedy - arguably one of the world&#39;s most important leaders - &nbsp;had historical, political, and social implications that still reverberate today.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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US President lists at Ranker - the ultimate source for hundreds of us president lists and rankings.

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US Presidents

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American politics has seen numerous vice presidents who have left their mark on the nation's history. This collection of the greatest US Vice Presidents of all time pays tribute to these outstanding individuals whose legacies continue to inspire. Delving into each luminary's achievements and impact, this compilation explores the best and brightest in American political history.As we are identifying the best of the US vice presidents, it is necessary to look closely at their accomplishments and defining qualities. This compilation offers a closer look at these influential figures, shedding light on their exceptional deeds that set them apart from their contemporaries. By examining what makes each leader deserving of being included among the greatest, readers can gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be considered an excellent United States vice president.For instance, Theodore Roosevelt is hailed for his dynamic energy and progressive ideals that ultimately led him to become one of America's most beloved presidents. But this happened after he served as a remarkable VP under William McKinley. Thomas Jefferson - another noteworthy example - played a pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, earning him an indisputable spot among America's finest statesmen even before his tenure as vice president alongside John Adams. Speaking of which, Adams himself was instrumental in building diplomatic ties with foreign nations during his time as George Washington's right-hand man, establishing a precedent for future VPs taking on international responsibilities.&nbsp;Their unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and steadfast resolve of these Vice Presidents propels them into prominence. This collection of the best United States vice presidents not only serves as a testament to their enduring legacies, but also offers a glimpse into America's rich history through the eyes of those who helped shape it.

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It is often said that being a two-term president is the goal of most politicians in America. The politicians on this list of American presidents did just that. They ran successful re-election campaigns and joined this list of the best two term presidents in the history of the United States. So who did the best job? These re-elected presidents, from George Washington to Barack Obama, had two terms to prove themselves and your votes will determine who did the best job.Though some become lame duck presidents during their second terms as Commander in Chief, others began to find their groove and care less about the political ramifications of actually getting things done. Giving the president another shot at running the country is always an interesting move, and this list is here for you to upvote the one(s) you thought nailed it throughout their entire tenure in the Oval Office.How many two term presidents have served the American people? 13 so far! Be sure to upvote the USA presidents you thought were the best at the job during their two terms and take a look at those who weren't as lucky, joining the ranks of one term president&nbsp;instead.