TWO VIEWS: Problems with the presidential prerequisite

The position of president is viewed as the ultimate example of American distinction, but conflict arises when an elected president does not reflect this model citizen. Should there be more requirements to become President?

YES

COMMENTARY BY MARÍA JOSÉ CESTERO, STAFF WRITER

As the supreme leader, the President of the United States of America should be a person of distinction from the rest — one who represents, exemplifies and surpasses representative characteristics of a U.S. citizen. Though the American dream emphasizes individuality and achievements through hard-work, the president should meet certain obligations and demands for the people of the United States to feel confident in their leader.

Aspiring to be president is more attainable than perceived, as the Constitution only has three requirements for the position: the candidate must be at least 35 years of age, a natural-born citizen and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. These specifications do not require any education-based merits, allowing anyone without experience or knowledge in the world of governance to run for the position.

Political science, or politilogy, by its dictionary definition, is a branch of social science which deals with systems of governance. Political scientists concern themselves with basic questions about the law, government, morality and humanity, all globally important concepts. Yet, to become president, it is not necessary to have a political science degree, despite the fact that it teaches the principles that the president must encounter on a daily basis.

“Experience at the federal level in my opinion should be a must,” government teacher Frank Cipriani said. “Ideally, a candidate would have legislative experience, be a current or former governor and have diplomatic and international experience as perhaps the Secretary of State or an ambassador.”

The seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, was known as a “representative of the common man,” and was distinguished from previous presidents because he came from poverty and founded the Democratic Party. However, his past actions showcase how education and experience should be inexorable specifications for candidacy.

As reported by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, Jackson came to be known among the public as “King Andrew the First” as he continuously acted without congressional approval and exceeded the president’s constitutional power on several occasions. His presidential cabinet also acquired the nickname “The Kitchen Cabinet” because he perpetually confided and sought political advice from friends, which later became known as the corrupt “Spoils System.”

Unfortunately, the lack of education needed to run for president has foiled other countries’ views of the United States as a nation. After the performance of both Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential debate, many countries have frowned upon the candidates’ nearly childish behavior which has effectively made the United States’s international image look like a dysfunctional joke, as per the Chicago Tribune. What was once the image of prosperity and greatness, the U.S. has slowly lost its auspicious reputation due to aspiring representatives not being fully prepared or knowledgeable enough to campaign for the position.

“An election debate in the United Staes last night where interruptions and quarrels were allowed to fill up way too much," Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen said on Facebook. "Fortunately this is not the case in Denmark. And I never hope it will be like that."

The U.S. Constitution has brought the United States an abundance of success and triumph, but it could also be the cause of its demise if a person that is unfit to lead obtains the position of president. It is time to amend the current Constitution so the requirements reflect the model citizen who is ready, qualified and capable to undertake the pressures and needs of the American people in a dignified educated manner.

NO

COMMENTARY BY DANI PARRA DEL RIEGO, STAFF WRITER

Smart, methodical, regulation-loving bureaucrat: ask anyone and most will say these are the characteristics of lawyers and politicians. Every field of work has stereotypes of what constitutes someone fit for the job, but sometimes, breaking the mold is necessary for growth. Because a president is meant to represent the views and experiences of the nation as a whole, increasing restriction on who can become president in America would stunt the nation's growth.

According to a Pew Research Center study, 91% of Americans believe that elected officials should be honest, ethical ands representative of the population. These are traits that are not exclusive to those with an education in law or politics. Requiring that a potential president have a degree and experience in the field does not only exclude potential qualified candidates, but it allows for the government to be even less representative.

Additionally, according to a 2015 report published by the Census Bureau, 59% of the general population had received some college education, and only one in three adults currently hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

“Requiring that [presidents have these degrees] is elitist and prevents qualified, patriotic individuals from serving their country,” freshman Myréa Ghetti said.

America’s commander-in-chief undeniably faces many stressors, as having to lead the world’s largest economy is no easy task. John F. Kennedy not only led America through many tense moments during the Cold War, but also enacted economic policies that ended the recession of 1960 and expanded both America’s economy as well as our foreign influence, as per a 2020 article published in The Balance. Kennedy’s degree was not in a political field as he graduated with a degree in business from Stanford University, yet he is often still recognized as one of the greatest presidents in history.

If the phrase “natural-born leader,” — that applies to most presidents — truly holds substance, then a formal degree and experience in these two particular fields is not a requirement to lead a country. Even those that believe that a leader is made, not born, can understand that there are still many other degrees and career opportunities where one can develop skills to become a leader fit for managing the world’s greatest economy.

“American citizens must have the freedom to run with any educational background,” senior Sarahi Acosta said. “The current democratic system ensures the election of a qualified leader.”

George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan were all leaders that varied in their political ideology and became presidents without studying law or politics. By requiring that a potential candidate have educational training and an established career in law or a similar field, countless veterans and patriots that have dedicated their lives to the advancement of American beliefs and ideals are stripped from the possibility of serving their nation at a greater level.

Additionally, if someone unqualified were to be voted into the highest office on Earth, then checks and balances embedded into the constitution should serve as a safeguard to prevent hasty and uninformed actions on the president’s behalf.

Studying law or political science has been the norm for presidential candidates, but it should not become the rule. By adding yet another restriction to the requirements for presidency, our democracy will continue to serve an increasingly narrow portion of the population. America is for the people, by the people, regardless of education status. It is time to end the elitist air of mystery surrounding politics and keep politics as inclusive as possible.