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A recent survey conducted by the Presidential Greatness Project, led by political science professors Brandon Rottinghaus and Justin Vaughn, has revealed some interesting findings regarding the rankings of American presidents. The survey, which received nearly 200 responses from scholars across various disciplines, has confirmed that Abraham Lincoln continues to be considered the greatest president in American history. However, there have been significant shifts in the rankings of other presidents.
According to the survey, Franklin Delano Roosevelt has surpassed George Washington to claim the second spot on the list of greatest presidents. FDR's leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, along with his pioneering use of communication through Fireside Chats, solidified his position as one of the most influential presidents in history. Vaughn explains, "FDR eclipsing Washington in this survey reflects scholarly consensus about his role as the founder of the modern presidency."
The survey also marks the inclusion of President Joe Biden in the rankings. President Biden enters the list at number 14, ahead of recent Republican presidents such as Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. Rottinghaus notes that Biden's high ranking is attributed to the stability he brings after the tumultuous Trump administration. "Scholars often emphasize stability of norms in assessing presidential greatness, so Joe Biden, serving after a tumultuous Trump administration, entered the survey on a high note," he said.
The rankings of Ulysses S. Grant and Andrew Jackson have seen significant changes over the three surveys conducted by the Presidential Greatness Project. Grant, who was ranked 28th in 2015, has climbed to the 17th spot in 2024. This upward trend reflects a growing recognition of his leadership and contributions. Conversely, Jackson's ranking has consistently fallen, primarily due to negative assessments of his treatment of Native Americans.
In addition to the rankings, the survey also revealed that Lincoln received the highest average score of 93.9 out of 100. FDR followed closely behind with a score of 90.8, while Washington secured the third spot with a score of 90.3. The survey also asked scholars which president they believed should be added to Mount Rushmore next, with FDR receiving the majority of votes at 65.4%, followed by Obama at 11%.
The survey, which was conducted online between November 15 and December 31, 2023, received a response rate of 36%. A total of 525 scholars from various academic disciplines were invited to participate in the survey.
This survey provides valuable insights into the evolving historical assessments of American presidents. While Lincoln remains the undisputed greatest president according to scholars, the rankings of other presidents have seen significant shifts. The inclusion of President Biden in the rankings also highlights the impact of his administration and the stability he brings after a divisive period in American politics.