Every president, graded.

How the grades work

Each figure gets a letter grade on nine criteria. The overall grade is the average on a standard 4.3 scale. Presidents are judged on their record in office. Politicians are judged on their votes, statements and record to date. Grades reflect the Society’s editorial judgment and are revised as the record develops.

Every figure is also placed on four axes, from −100 to +100, so you can see not only how well someone scores but what kind of politician they are.

1. Sovereignty Art. IDid they put American interests first and keep decisions in American hands?
2. Hemisphere Art. IIDid they guard the Americas against rival powers and threats?
3. Restraint Art. IIIDid they keep the country out of wars of choice that weakened it?
4. Statecraft Art. IV, VDid they use diplomacy, force and alliances skillfully, on American terms?
5. Industry and trade Art. VIDid they protect and build American industry?
6. Working Americans Art. VIIDid ordinary working families do better because of them?
7. Building Art. VIIIDid they build things that lasted and push the frontier forward?
8. Nation Art. IXDid they strengthen a shared American identity and the Union?
9. Competence Art. XWere they capable, honest and effective in office?

• Economy Market to Populist
• Trade Free trade to Protectionist
• Foreign policy Restraint to Interventionist
• Nation Cosmopolitan to National