The Youngest Commanders in Chief in American History

The U.S. political temperature is rising in anticipation of the election in November where Vice President Kamala Harris will be up against former President Donald Trump. To be president of the United States requires only three qualifications, per the Constitution – you must be a natural-born citizen, have lived in the country for at least 14 years, and be 35 years old. It's not an easy position to undertake and the Founding Fathers believed the leader of the U.S. should have a certain level of maturity before they were tasked with the position. These are the youngest commanders-in-chief in American history.

To compile this list of the youngest commanders-in-chief in American history, 24/7 Tempo consulted several educational sources. These include U.S. News, TheWhiteHouse.gov. There have been presidents in the past who have been in their 40s when they took office. However, most presidents are around 55 when they're sworn in. The youngest president in United States history was Theodore Roosevelt, becoming elected when he turned 42.

For more on past presidents, click here to read about 12 U.S. Presidents who were generals before taking office.

• Inauguration age: 42
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Youngest U.S. President in history

• Inauguration age: 43
• Time spent as President: 2 years
• One thing he's remembered for: He was murdered while still in office

• Inauguration age: 46
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Affair with Monica Lewinsky

• Inauguration age: 46
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Former military officer

• Inauguration age: 47
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: First African-American U.S. President

• Inauguration age: 47
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Elected twice as President

• Inauguration age: 48
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Supporter of slavery

• Inauguration age: 49
• Time spent as President: 0.5 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Was shot and died a few months later

• Inauguration age: 49
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Won the Mexican-American war

• Inauguration age: 50
• Time spent as President: 3 years
• One thing he's remembered for: One of the last members of the Whig Party

• Inauguration age: 51
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Took control after death of William Henry Harrison

• Inauguration age: 51
• Time spent as President: 5 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Forced into office when President William Harding passed away

• Inauguration age: 51
• Time spent as President: 12 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Longest tenured president in United States history

• Inauguration age: 51
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Heaviest ever U.S. President

• Inauguration agen: 51
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: High ranking official in the New York Militia during the Civil War

• Inauguration agen: 52
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: The Emancipation Proclamation

• Inauguration age: 52
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Oldest surviving president in history

• Inauguration age: 54
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Helped acquire Hawaii

• Inauguration age: 54
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Known for his stance in the anti-slavery movement

• Inauguration age: 54
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Railroad Strike of 1877

• Inauguration age: 54
• Time spent as President: 8 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Leading America through the tragic events of 9/11

• Inauguration age: 54
• Time spent as President: 4 years
• One thing he's remembered for: Leading America through the Great Depression