Based on various historians' polls and public opinion surveys over the years, here are ten presidents often ranked among the best and worst:

Often Ranked Among the Best (not in a specific order)

1. George Washington: The first U.S. president, he set many critical precedents for the role.

2. Abraham Lincoln: Preserved the Union during the Civil War and signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

3. Franklin D. Roosevelt: Guided the U.S. through the Great Depression and most of World War II.

4. Theodore Roosevelt: Known for progressive reforms and conservation efforts.

5. Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence and overseer of the Louisiana Purchase.

6. Harry S. Truman: Made the controversial decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan and oversaw the beginning of the Cold War era.

7. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Managed the U.S. during a period of relative peace and prosperity in the 1950s.

8. James Madison: Known as the "Father of the Constitution" and led the U.S. during the War of 1812.

9. John F. Kennedy: Inspiring leader who faced the Cuban Missile Crisis but was assassinated after only 1,000 days in office.

10. Ronald Reagan: Former actor and governor, credited with a strong economy and ending the Cold War.

Again, these rankings are not definitive. For more recent presidents, legacies are still being shaped by ongoing events and evolving historical perspectives.