Who takes over for the president in the event of a vacancy?

In the event of a vacancy in the presidency, the Vice President takes over the responsibilities and powers of the office. This transition is established by the Presidential Succession Act and the Constitution. The primary role of the Vice President is to serve as a successor to the president, and if the president can no longer fulfill their duties due to resignation, death, or removal, the Vice President is next in line to assume the presidency. This continuity of leadership is critical for maintaining government functionality and stability during unexpected changes in the administration.

The other options, while important political positions, do not have the authority to step into the presidency. The Speaker of the House is next in line after the Vice President, but is not the first to succeed the president. The Secretary of State holds a significant role in foreign affairs but does not have presidential succession. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is an essential figure in the judicial branch but does not have a defined role in presidential succession. Therefore, the Vice President is the correct answer as they are specifically designated to take over the presidency when a vacancy occurs.