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Top US Political Dynasties

Kennedys, Rockefellers, and Harrisons sit at the top, while newer Bushes rank 6th

By Mat Probasco, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 13, 2009 10:32 AM CDT

(Newser) – The Constitution states "no title of nobility shall be granted by the United States," but political dynasties are "as American as apple pie," writes Stephen Hess, who ranks America's top political families in the Washington Post. With one president, three senators, four reps, and a cabinet member, the Kennedys took first place handily.

Close behind, however, were the Roosevelts: Two presidents, one vice president, two governors, and four representatives. The super-rich Rockefellers were third with a vice president, three governors, two senators, and two representatives. The Harrisons and Adamses round out the top five, each with two presidents, but both families seem to have left public office for good. And what of the father-son duo with matching "41" and "43" hates? The relatively new Bush dynasty nabbed sixth place.

[Images (7)]

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Joseph Patrick Kennedy (1888-1969) in 1938 with son John Kennedy (1917-1963), and, to his right, his other son Joseph Patrick Kennedy (1915-1944) who was killed while flying in World War II. (Getty Images)

Joseph Patrick Kennedy (right), the ambassador to London, with his wife Rose Kennedy (second from right) and eight of their nine children in 1937. (Getty Images)

circa 1796: John Adams (1735 - 1826), the 2nd president of the United States of America (elected 1796). (Getty Images)

circa 1825: John Quincy Adams (1767 - 1848), the 6th president of the United States and the son of John Adams, the 2nd President. (Getty Images)

Theodore Roosevelt speaks as he travels the country for William McKinley during the presidential campaign of 1900. (AP Photo/file)

President Franklin D. Roosevelt puts his signature on the G.I. Bill of Rights at the White House in 1944, putting into law the measure for veterans aid. (AP Photo/File)

President George W. Bush participates in the unveiling of The Union League of Philadelphia Presidential Portrait at their club in Philadelphia, Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

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"One rule for long-term dynastic success: Have lots of children." - Writer Stephen Hess

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Top US Political Dynasties