Qualifications for the US Presidency

Qualifications and Expectations for the U.S. Presidency

Constitutional Qualifications

• The Constitution outlines three basic qualifications to become President of the United States:

• Must be at least 35 years old.

• Must be a natural-born citizen of the U.S.

• Must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Informal Qualifications

• Beyond constitutional requirements, there are informal qualifications that Americans often look for in presidential candidates:

• Good character is paramount; candidates with scandals may be overlooked.

Importance of Values and Education

• Moral integrity and values play a significant role in presidential campaigns, influencing public perception and support.

• While no educational requirement exists, most presidents have been college educated, frequently from prestigious institutions like Ivy League schools.

Political Experience

• Previous political experience is advantageous; many presidents were governors (17) or senators (15) before taking office.

• Political moderates tend to perform better in elections as they appeal to a broader voter base.

Military Background and Wealth

• Military experience is common among presidents; historically, it has been viewed as an important attribute due to the president's role as commander-in-chief.

• Wealth is prevalent among presidential candidates, facilitating campaign funding and political influence. Early presidents were often among the wealthiest individuals in their time.