Requirements and Backgrounds for U.S. Presidents
According to Article II, Section I of the Constitution, what are the formal requirements to become President of the United States?
Must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.
Why is it important for a president to understand the hopes, fears, and moods of the American people?
Understanding the public helps gain and hold support, which gives the president leverage in influencing Congress.
Which president set the precedent of serving only two terms, establishing a tradition that lasted for 150 years?
George Washington
What system did the Framers of the Constitution create to choose the president as a compromise between direct election by the people and election by Congress?
The Electoral College
During the first phase of a presidential campaign, candidates must compete against members of which group?
Members of their own political party
Before becoming president, what types of roles have all U.S. presidents historically held?
Vice president, senator, representative, cabinet secretary, governor, or general in the U.S. Army.
Which U.S. president was nicknamed “The Great Communicator” for his ability to sell ideas to the public?
Ronald Reagan
What amendment, passed in 1951, limits a president to two terms in office?
The 22nd Amendment
How many electors are in the Electoral College today, and how many must a candidate win to be elected president?
538 electors in total; a candidate must win at least 270 votes.
What is the difference between a primary and a caucus in selecting a party’s nominee?
In a primary, party members vote at the polls; in a caucus, party members gather to discuss candidates and select delegates.
Why do major political parties usually select moderate candidates instead of extremely liberal or conservative ones?
Because extreme candidates have little chance of winning the general election.
What strategy do modern presidents use to appeal directly to voters and influence public opinion?
“Going public”
How much does the president currently earn per year, not including allowances and benefits?
$400,000
What does it mean that the Electoral College is a “winner-take-all” system in almost every state?
The candidate who receives the most popular votes in a state wins all of that state’s electoral votes.
What event is held by major political parties in late summer where delegates from all 50 states vote to nominate a presidential candidate?
National nominating conventions
Which president, elected in 2008, was the nation’s first African American president?
Barack Obama
Why must a successful president have a sense of timing when introducing new policies or making decisions?
Because public response and the timing of actions can affect whether policies succeed, are delayed, or dropped.
What are the three constitutional duties of the vice president?
1) Take over the presidency in case of death, disability, impeachment, or resignation, 2) Preside over the Senate and vote in case of a tie, 3) Help decide if the president is unable to carry out duties under the 25th Amendment.
What is a Political Action Committee (PAC) and how does it help potential presidential candidates?
A PAC is an organization of supporters that helps test a candidate’s national appeal and gather like-minded individuals.
During the general election, what are “swing states” and why do candidates focus on them?
Swing states are states where voters are closely divided; candidates focus on them because their electoral votes are crucial to winning the election.
To date, what is a personal characteristic shared by every U.S. president?
Every president has been a man and identified as Christian
Why is the ability to compromise considered essential for presidential leadership?
Because politics requires flexibility, and presidents must sometimes accept partial legislation to accomplish goals.
Why do presidential candidates carefully select their vice presidential running mates today?
To add expertise, voter appeal, and support the campaign and future administration.
Which independent agency regulates federal election laws and requires candidates to report fundraising and campaign expenditures?
The Federal Election Commission (FEC)
When do the electors officially cast their votes for president and vice president?
In December, a few weeks after the general election