Why can you not be in the chain of command in the US if you were born overseas?

Question

Scot1 asked this question. I remember General John Shalikashvili becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (as successor to Colin Powell) in Bill Clinton's last presidency. He was born in Poland. Surely chairman of the JCS is in the chain of command. Is this the case?

Answer 1

Depends on what you mean by "chain of command". If you mean in the military, I don't see why not, unless the military has rules against that sort of thing. But if you mean the order of succession to the Presidency, it's because the Constitution requires the President to be a native-born American. Article II, Section 1:

"No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President..."

Answer 2

I think you're a little confused about the "chain of command" thing. It's only President of the United States (or Commander-in-Chief) that must be born in the US (or obviously the Vice-President, Speaker of the House, since they are all "understudies" if you will).

Although I believe that Governor Shwarzeneggar would like to lobby to amend this. :)

Answer 3

you are confused a little only natual born U.S. citizens can be president and vice president.with the death of a president and on down the line only those born here my become president but they may serve in any post.

Answer 4

I don't see what you mean. Colin Powell, for example, is not a native-born American (He was born in Jamaca). I'd say he is or was pretty high up there :P

Answer 5

He was also an American citizen and there is no reason he should not have been in the chain od command.

Answer 6

DON NO