#2003: Presidential Succession explain

A proposal for a new presidential line of succession

Current politics aside, most experts agree the existing process is flawed. The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 is probably unconstitutional on several counts, and there are many practical issues with the system as well.

(For more, see the surprisingly gripping Second Report of the Continuity of Government Commission, June 2009.)

Proposed line of succession:

President

Vice president

Secretary of State

Secretary of Defense

Secretary of Homeland Security

Attorney General

Five people who do not live in Washington DC, nominated at the start of the president’s term and confirmed by the Senate

Tom Hanks

State Governors, in descending order of state population at last census

Anyone who won an Oscar for playing a governor

Anyone who won a Governor’s award for playing someone named Oscar

Kate McKinnon, if available

Billboard year-end Hot 100 singles artists #1 through #10 (for groups, whoever is credited first in name, liner notes, etc)

The top 5 US astronauts in descending order of total spaceflight time

Serena Williams (or, if she lost her most recent match, whoever beat her)

The most recent season NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL MVPs

Bull Pullman and his descendants by absolute primogeniture

The entire line of succession to the British throne

The current champion of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest

All other US citizens, chosen by a 29-round single-elimination Jousting tournament