In the event that both the President and Vice President are unable to serve, who takes over as Acting President?

In the event that both the President and Vice President cannot fulfill their duties, the Speaker of the House is designated to assume the role of Acting President. This line of succession is established by the Presidential Succession Act, which outlines the order of officials who are next in line to the presidency. The rationale behind this choice is based on the Speaker's position as the head of the House of Representatives, which is the component of Congress that directly represents the electorate. This helps ensure that the leadership in such a critical time remains connected to democratic accountability.

Other high-ranking officials, such as the Chief Justice, Secretary of State, or President Pro Tempore of the Senate, have different roles and responsibilities within the government, but they are not next in line for the presidency after the Vice President. This clear succession is critical for maintaining stability in government functions during unforeseen circumstances.