Requirements for a presidential candidate

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Constitutional Requirements
- Must be a natural-born American citizen -Must be at least 35 years old. -There is a residency qualification of 14 years
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Extra-constitutional requirements
There are a number of other elements which candidates need to stand a chance of making a serious bid for the presidency. They fall into seven areas.
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Political experience
Vice-presidents, State governors, Senator. To the 2008 election, of 16 politicians nominated as presidential candidates; 9 were/had been senators, 6 vice president, 5 governors
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Major party endorsement
It is vital to be chosen as the candidate for one of the two major parties.
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Personal characteristics
Helps if you are a male WASP (white, anglo-saxon, protestant). Can you name any anomalies? Helps if you are married, there have been no personal scandals or affairs. Can you name people who had to pull out because of scandal?
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Ability to raise large sums of money
Campaigns are so expensive that very few candidates can afford to finance their own campaigns. Name two billionaires that financed their own campaigns.
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Effective Organisation
A candidate is running to become the Republican or Democrat presidential candidate, so candidates cannot use the party's organisational structure, either nationally or in each state.
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Oratorical skills and being telegenic
In the media age, the abilities to speak well and look good on television are crucial. Ronald Reagan was an ex-actor, and Clinton and Obama were praised for these skills.
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Sound and relevant policies
There is a danger that presidential elections are portrayed as all style and no substance. Voters detect a candidate whose campaign turns out to be a 'policy free' zone.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

There are a number of other elements which candidates need to stand a chance of making a serious bid for the presidency. They fall into seven areas.

Back

Extra-constitutional requirements

Card 3

Front

Vice-presidents, State governors, Senator. To the 2008 election, of 16 politicians nominated as presidential candidates; 9 were/had been senators, 6 vice president, 5 governors

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

It is vital to be chosen as the candidate for one of the two major parties.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Helps if you are a male WASP (white, anglo-saxon, protestant). Can you name any anomalies? Helps if you are married, there have been no personal scandals or affairs. Can you name people who had to pull out because of scandal?

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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