If you're familiar with US history or politics, you've likely heard plenty of debates about
the best and worst presidents.
But what about the smartest?
Is it possible to objectively measure the intellectual horsepower of America's past
leaders and compare them to each other?
Well, that's exactly what we're going to attempt in this video – by ranking US presidents
according to their IQ.
Now, before we dive in, it's worth acknowledging that IQ is just one measure of intelligence,
and it's not without controversy or limitations.
It's also important to note that the historical record isn't always clear on the exact IQ
scores of every president – so, we'll be relying on estimates and anecdotal evidence
in some cases.
So, what's the range of presidential IQs?
As it turns out, there's a pretty significant gap between the highest and lowest scores.
On the high end, we have some of the most renowned intellectuals in American history
– men who were accomplished scholars, inventors, and polymaths.
On the low end, we have presidents who were widely regarded as mediocre or worse, both
in terms of their intellect and their overall performance in office.
While we’d love to cover all of the US Presidents in this video, we only have enough time to
count down the top 10 US presidents.With that in mind, get ready for a little trip back
through history as Facts Verse Presents: US Presidents Ranked by IQ and it's Not Even
Close
10.
Abraham Lincoln – IQ 150
Abraham Lincoln may be ranked last on our list of US presidents by IQ, but don't be
fooled – he's far from the least intelligent commander-in-chief.
In fact, that dubious distinction goes to his successor, Andrew Johnson.
Despite ranking tenth, Lincoln was a truly remarkable individual who overcame numerous
obstacles to become one of America's greatest leaders.
Perhaps most impressively, Lincoln had very little formal education, with only about a
year of formal schooling under his belt.
However, he was a voracious reader and a self-taught student of history, politics, and law.
He eventually became a successful lawyer and was known for his sharp wit and eloquence.
As president, Lincoln faced some of the most daunting challenges in US history, including
the Civil War and the fight to abolish slavery.
He was a gifted orator and gave many memorable speeches, but none more so than the Gettysburg
Address, which is widely regarded as one of the most important speeches in American history.
Unfortunately, Lincoln's life was cut tragically short when he was assassinated in 1865, just
a month before the end of the Civil War.
9.
Franklin D. Roosevelt – 150.5
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who served as US president for an unprecedented 12 years, was
no slouch in the intelligence department, with an IQ of 150.5.
Prior to his political career, FDR attended Harvard University and later went on to study
law at Columbia University.
He also served as assistant secretary of the US Navy under President Woodrow Wilson.
As president, Roosevelt faced some of the most monumental challenges in US history,
including the Great Depression and World War II.
He responded with a series of sweeping reforms known as the New Deal, which aimed to stimulate
the economy and provide relief to those most affected by the Depression.
This included the creation of programs like the Social Security Act, which still provides
support for millions of Americans today.
Roosevelt's leadership during World War II was also critical to the Allies' eventual
victory.
He famously declared war on Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and worked
closely with other world leaders to coordinate military efforts and diplomatic strategies.
Throughout his presidency, Roosevelt battled numerous health problems, most notably his
struggle with polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite these challenges, he remained a tireless and determined leader until his death in office
in 1945.
8.
Barack Obama – 155
Barack Obama, the 44th president of the US, is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent
and articulate leaders in recent memory.
With an estimated IQ of 155, Obama is a well-educated individual with degrees from both Columbia
University and Harvard Law School.
Before entering politics, he worked as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and constitutional
law professor.
During his two terms in office, Obama faced a wide range of challenges, from the aftermath
of the 2008 financial crisis to the ongoing fight against terrorism.
He also championed several landmark pieces of legislation, including the Affordable Care
Act, which expanded access to healthcare for millions of Americans.
Obama's presidency was marked by his eloquent speeches and his ability to inspire and connect
with people from all walks of life.
He was known for his calm and measured demeanor, even in the face of intense criticism and
opposition.
7.
John Adams – 155
John Adams, the 2nd president of the United States, is often overshadowed by his more
famous contemporaries such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
But Adams was a luminous thinker in his own right, with an IQ estimated to be around 155.
Adams was born in Massachusetts in 1735 and went on to study at Harvard University.
He became a successful lawyer and played a key role in the American Revolution, serving
as a delegate to the Continental Congress and helping to draft the Declaration of Independence.
In 1797, Adams was elected president, succeeding George Washington.
During his presidency, he faced a number of significant challenges, including tensions
with France and the passage of the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts, which restricted
civil liberties.
Despite these challenges, Adams was a highly effective leader who worked tirelessly to
uphold the principles of the Constitution and defend the young nation from external
threats.
He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the US Navy, which helped to protect American
interests at sea.
After serving a single term in office, Adams was defeated by his political rival Thomas
Jefferson in the 1800 election.
6.
James Madison – 155
James Madison, the 4th president of the United States, is often referred to as the "Father
of the Constitution" due to his instrumental role in drafting the document that still governs
the country today.
Madison was also a brilliant political theorist and writer, with an IQ estimated to be around
155.
Madison was born in Virginia in 1751 and attended the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University).
He became involved in politics at an early age and played a key role in the American
Revolution, serving in the Virginia state legislature and as a delegate to the Continental
Congress.
In 1787, Madison was a driving force behind the Constitutional Convention, which produced
the US Constitution.
He is also credited with helping to shape many of the document's key provisions, including
the separation of powers, the Bill of Rights, and the system of checks and balances.
Madison went on to serve as Thomas Jefferson's Secretary of State before being elected president
himself in 1808.
During his presidency, he oversaw the country's involvement in the War of 1812 and helped
to establish the Second Bank of the United States.
5.
Jimmy Carter – 156.8
It’s estimated that Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, had a relatively
high IQ of 156.8.
Carter was born in Georgia in 1924 and attended the United States Naval Academy before serving
in the Navy during World War II.
After leaving the military, he went on to earn degrees in engineering and physics from
Georgia Tech and became a successful peanut farmer.
Carter's political career began in the 1960s, when he served in the Georgia state senate
and later as the state's governor.
In 1976, he was elected president, defeating incumbent Gerald Ford in a close race.
Throughout his presidency, Carter faced several challenges, including the energy crisis, the
Iranian hostage crisis, and economic stagflation.
Despite having a lot on his plate, he remained committed to promoting human rights and social
justice both domestically and abroad, including through his efforts to broker peace between
Israel and Egypt.
4.
Bill Clinton – 159
With an estimated IQ of 159, Bill Clinton is often regarded as one of the most intellectually
gifted presidents in American history.
Born and raised in Arkansas, Clinton pursued his education at Georgetown, Oxford, and Yale,
where he met his future wife and fellow law student, Hillary Rodham.
Clinton began his political career in Arkansas state government, serving as the state's attorney
general and later as its governor.
He was elected president in 1992, defeating incumbent George H.W.
Bush in a closely contested race.
During his time in office, Clinton achieved several significant policy accomplishments,
including the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Despite his intelligence and political acumen, Clinton's presidency was not without controversy.
In 1998, he became only the second president in U.S. history to be impeached by the House
of Representatives, following allegations of perjury and obstruction of justice related
to his relationship with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
3.
John F. Kennedy – 160
Despite having a childhood reputation as a poor student who was more interested in games
and sports than studying, John F. Kennedy's IQ was measured at 159.8.
He eventually turned his academic performance around and graduated from Harvard in 1940.
During the Second World War, he served in the Navy and was awarded a Purple Heart for
his heroic actions in the South Pacific.
After being elected to both the House and Senate, he became the second-youngest president
in history as well as the first and only Catholic president.
JFK's presidency was marked by significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and
the Bay of Pigs invasion, but he also created the Peace Corps and was instrumental in passing
the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Notably, he was the only president to receive a Pulitzer Prize.
2.
Thomas Jefferson – 160
Thomas Jefferson was widely regarded as an intelligent man.
He was a polymath who excelled in various fields, including law, politics, agriculture,
architecture, and philosophy.
Jefferson was one of the most important founding fathers of the United States, and he is known
for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence, which laid out the principles
of American democracy.
He also served as the third president of the United States and made significant contributions
to the development of the country's political system, including the expansion of the United
States through the Louisiana Purchase.
In addition to his political achievements, Jefferson was an avid reader and scholar,
and he founded the University of Virginia, which was based on his ideas of liberal education.
1.
John Quincy Adams – 175
John Quincy Adams, a Harvard graduate, boasts the highest estimated IQ of all U.S. presidents,
with a score of 175.
He traveled extensively and learned seven languages, demonstrating his linguistic prowess.
Despite not finishing law school, he excelled as a lawyer.
Notably, Adams served as Secretary of State for President James Monroe and played a key
role in shaping the Monroe Doctrine and negotiating the end of the War of 1812.
His impressive public speaking skills earned him the nickname "Old Man Eloquent," and he
is even regarded as one of the most physically fit presidents in history.
So, there you have it – America's top 10 most intelligent presidents ranked by IQ.
Were you surprised to see any of the names that made this list, and do you think that
another president should have made the cut?
Let us know in the comments.
And as always, thanks for watching!