Chester Arthur – 152.3
The 21st President of the United States, Chester Arthur, was born in Vermont to an Irish immigrant couple. People always told him he “looked like a president”, but he only played the part when he took over the presidency after the death of President James Garfield in 1881. The vice president-turned-president had been in office from 1881 to 1885 and he is best known for the creation of the Pendleton Act. He ensured that citizens would earn federal government positions through a system based on merit instead of their political affiliations and connections. The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act also implemented the use of examinations to screen applicants. During his term, Arthur also legislated the first federal immigration law that aimed to bar “paupers, criminals, and lunatics” from making their way into the country. Did you know Chester Arthur had an IQ of 152.3? That’s incredibly high – even for a president.
Chester Arthur
James A. Garfield – 152.3
Did you know that the 20th US President James A. Garfield was the first and only sitting member of the House of Representatives elected into the presidency? Before his term, he was a major general for the Union during the American Civil War and he fought in numerous battles like Chickamauga, Middle Creek, and Shiloh. During his term from March 4, 1881, until September 19, 1881, he was able to accomplish admirable things such as getting rid of corruption in the postal service and building up the navy. He also advocated for universal education and civil rights. His appointment of several African-Americans, such as Fredrick Douglass, into government positions was notable as well. An assassination attempt took place in July 1881 and his term was cut short after he battled multiple infections. It turns out that Garfield was one of the smartest presidents with an IQ of 152.3.
James A. Garfield
