Who is the only person to have served as both President and Chief Justice of the United States?

• A. William Howard Taft
• B. George Washington
• C. Thomas Jefferson
• D. John Adams

Answer: (A)

Holding both the presidency and the Chief Justice seat is an exceptionally rare career path, because it combines leading the nation with directing its highest court. William Howard Taft uniquely accomplishes this, having served as the 27th President from 1909 to 1913 and then, after leaving the White House, being appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930. His appointment as Chief Justice came from President Warren G. Harding, making him the only person to have led the country in the executive branch and then headed the judicial branch. The other figures listed did not hold the Chief Justice position, so Taft stands out for crossing both branches of government.