Rethinking Presidential Eligibility: It’s Time for a 21st Century Update

For most of my life, I admired the idea that any American could become President. It felt democratic, egalitarian, and full of promise. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that while the Founders laid a visionary foundation in 1787, we’re long overdue for a thoughtful update to what we require from those seeking the most powerful office in the world.

The current constitutional requirements are shockingly minimal: be a natural born citizen, at least 35 years old, and have lived in the U.S. for 14 years. That’s it.

We now live in an era of global complexity, technological acceleration, and existential stakes—from climate change to nuclear diplomacy to economic fragility. We need leaders who are qualified, capable, and ethical, not just well-connected or loud enough to win primaries. And frankly, we need to be honest about the dangers of electing someone who lacks cognitive capacity, experience, or even a basic understanding of our Constitution and democracy.

So what should a modernized set of eligibility requirements look like? I propose the following:

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Modern Presidential Eligibility Requirements

1. Natural Born Citizen
   A candidate must be born in the U.S. or to U.S. citizen parents, in line with the existing constitutional requirement.

2. Age Requirement
   The minimum age should remain 35 to ensure a baseline of life experience.

3. Minimum Time in the U.S.
   At least 14 years of residency should remain, though documentation and review might be strengthened.

4. Evidence of Behavioral Reform for Convicted Felons
   If a candidate has a felony conviction, they must demonstrate sustained behavioral reform over time, verified by independent third parties, with a period of public accountability or service before becoming eligible. Public acknowledgment isn’t enough; real redemption must be evidenced through action, not just words.

5. Cognitive Ability
   A non-partisan, standardized test to ensure a baseline cognitive capacity to comprehend complex issues, reason effectively, and make sound judgments.

6. Constitutional Knowledge
   Candidates should pass a basic exam on the U.S. Constitution, including the roles, limits, and powers of the presidency, checks and balances, civil rights, and more.

7. Political Experience
   Ideally, a candidate should have held elected office, such as governor, senator, or representative, or served in a significant public leadership role. Experience in how government actually functions matters.

8. Global Awareness and Diplomacy
   A demonstrated understanding of international relations, global conflicts, diplomacy, and trade—key areas where presidential leadership is critical.

9. Ethical Standards
   Candidates should provide a verified record of ethical conduct, with transparent finances, no unresolved legal entanglements, and a demonstrated respect for public trust.

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We Deserve Better

This isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about protecting the future of our democracy. The President of the United States wields enormous influence over our lives, our freedoms, and our standing in the world. We have the right—and the responsibility—to ensure that only those capable of doing the job with integrity are allowed to compete for it.

The idea that “anyone” can be president may sound noble. But in practice, we’ve seen how that ideal can be exploited by individuals wholly unfit for public trust. It’s time to raise the bar—not to exclude good people, but to ensure the best among us are leading us forward.

Let’s make presidential eligibility a reflection of modern expectations, not 18th-century simplicity.

Compiled with aid of ChatGPT