Every U.S. President Ranked by IQ

Chester A. Arthur was a well-educated lawyer with a cool, organized intellect. A graduate of Union College, he was methodical and attentive to detail, traits that served him well in legal practice and administration. Though not known as a great orator, he possessed a calm intelligence and a refined, deliberate manner.

Arthur surprised many by applying his intellect to reform. Once a product of the patronage system, he used reason over loyalty to support civil service reform and the Pendleton Act. His thoughtful, steady decision-making revealed a quiet intelligence dedicated to fairness and institutional integrity.