America’s 10 Most Effective Presidents — Market Mad House

Since the 2020 Presidential campaign is underway, it is a good time to examine our most effective presidents.

Please note, this is not a list of the 10 best; or 10 most ethical, presidents. Instead, it is a tally of the 10 most effective presidents. Namely, those chief executives who did the most and achieved their goals.

Consequently, some of the individuals on this list were very unethical men who engaged in questionable policies. In fact, some of these guys were racists, liars, cheats, warmongers, slave owners, and horrible human beings.

Our first president George Washington (Virginia) does not appear on this list because his status as father of the country sets him apart. In addition, Washington was the only president to operate largely outside the political system. Thus, I consider comparisons between Washington and other presidents are unfair and inaccurate.

America’s 10 Most Effective Presidents

James K. Polk (D-Tennessee) 1845–1849

Polk is number one because he is the only president who achieved his goals. Polk’s goals were to extend the United States to the Pacific, annex Texas, annex the Oregon territory, and avoid war with the British Empire. Polk achieved all those goals.