Most influential U.S. presidents
a Yourlist ranking · the crowd decides the order
Not most liked — most consequential. Who actually bent the country's trajectory?
What counts: Lasting impact on the nation's direction, for better or worse — not party, not popularity.
George Washington▲ Rising
Invented the job, then walked away from it.
Took office: 1789Years served: 8Party: None
added by IJRin 4 rankings
36
Abraham Lincoln▲ Rising
Held the union together and ended slavery.
Took office: 1861Years served: 4Party: Republican
added by IJRin 4 rankings
30
Franklin D. Roosevelt▲ Rising
The New Deal, WWII, and four terms.
Took office: 1933Years served: 12Party: Democratic
added by IJRin 4 rankings
22
Thomas Jefferson▲ Rising
Doubled the country with a signature.
Took office: 1801Years served: 8Party: Democratic-Republican
added by IJRin 3 rankings
10
Theodore Roosevelt▲ Rising
Trust-busting, national parks, and the modern presidency.
Took office: 1901Years served: 8Party: Republican
added by IJRin 2 rankings
4
Ronald Reagan
Redefined the American right for two generations.
Took office: 1981Years served: 8Party: Republican
added by IJRin 2 rankings
-7
Dwight D. Eisenhower▼ Falling
Interstates, NASA, and the warning about the military-industrial complex.
Took office: 1953Years served: 8Party: Republican
added by IJRin 4 rankings
-13
Barack Obama▼ Falling
The ACA and a realigned electorate.
Took office: 2009Years served: 8Party: Democratic
added by IJRin 4 rankingsBarack Obama
-21
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Comments (5)
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The long-term impact case for the top pick is airtight.
- SSam Johnson22h
Underrated entries in the middle of this one deserve a look.
History will keep re-ranking this list every decade.