Recent Presidential elections in the United States have shown that there is a serious need to modify the current laws regarding candidates for the presidency. Currently, in order to run for the office of President of the United States a person must be 35 years of age and have been born in the United States.
With few exceptions, all of the U.S. Presidents have been older men. The U.S. currently has its oldest person in office with Joe Biden at 81 years of age.
In November, the United States will hold elections for President of the country; among several other legislative positions. So far, the campaigns have been filled with accusations of cognitive disability, ageism, and little to do with the issues at hand.
If I were to makes changes to one law, it would be to make some additions to the qualifications for office…
ALL candidates for federal offices – president, vice-president, the House of Representatives, and the Senate must take a cognitive test to ensure no memory issues are present AND at minimum a basic Civics test to ensure that the person is indeed qualified and understands the laws of the land.
When a new Pope is elected in Conclave, only Cardinals who are under the age of 79 are eligible for election as the new Pope. Granted the position of Pope is a lifetime appointment; while the President of the United States is a maximum of two four year terms. But, no matter the duration, the leader of a nation must have a fully functional mind and knows the laws he swears to uphold and protect.
The job of POTUS is a 24-hour-a-day job; filled with stress. Whomever holds the job must be fit for the job…and that includes understanding the position and the job it requires.