Can a former president be the secretary of state?

Answer 1

Yes, if he is still eligible to become president meaning that he has not served for two terms already.

Answer 2

Although there are differing legal opinions, it's probably constitutional for a former president to become secretary of state. The potential legal problem is that this puts the former president in the line of succession, even if he's already served two terms as president; it's clear that the Constitution prohibits election to a third term, but it's not clear if this bars succession to a third term as well.

Answer 3

Yes a few have. All of which were president in the 1800's, so none have become president in over 100 years.

The former secretaries of state that have become president are -

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

James Monroe

John Quincy Adams

Martin Van Buren

James Buchanan

Answer 4

Yes they just need to apply and state they are running.

Answer 5

Six have:

Thomas Jefferson

James Madison

James Monroe

John Quincy Adams

Martin Van Buren

James Buchanan

Answer 6

Yes, assuming the secretary meets the requirements to become president.

Answer 7

yes. The are no restrictions on former presidents holding office other than the term limit amendment.

Answer 8

Yes, they're allowed to do so, and it's happened before. John Quincy Adams served as a congressman after his term as president, and William Taft was later Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Answer 9

yes