President-Written Qualifications

1. President-Written Qualifications • Formal Qualifications as outlined in Constitution • NATURAL BORN Citizen (someone who is a citizen by birth • At least 35 years old • Be a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years prior to the election

2. 9 “RULES” for Presidential Hopefuls • 1. Rule of Political Talent: Successful experience in government, in either appointed or elected office. (Victorious generals can ignore this rule if they choose.) • 2. Rule of Governors: Nominating conventions frequently choose their candidates from among the state governors. Governors control state delegations and they normally do not take vote-losing stands on controversial issues as do members of Congress

3. 4. Rule of Multiple Interests: Conventions choose candidates who can command support from many different economic interests-----agriculture, labor, commerce and industry 5. Rule of Happy Family Life: Candidates must appear to lead ideal family lives. Showing off a photogenic spouse and wholesome looking children also helps.

4. 6. Rule of Character: Candidates’ personal qualities are just as important as their policies. Presidents can and do change their policies but the public believes that it is much harder for them to change their characters.

5. 7. Rule of British stock: Candidates with British ancestors have been preferred. Most of the Presidents have been able to trace their ancestry to the British Isles. 8. Rule of Protestantism: Only one non-Protestant has held office, despite the Constitution’s ban on religious tests for holding any office

6. 9. Rule of being Male: As of this date, no major party has nominated a woman for President.