Topic 1: Elections
Requirements for presidential candidates:
Constitutional Requirements Extra-Constitutional
Requirements/Norms
Must be a natural-born Norm for the presidential
American citizen. This lead to candidate to have political
the ‘Birther’ conspiracy for experience, whether that be as a
Obama. governor, Senator, VP or even
member of the House.
Must be at least 35 years old.
Youngest elected President was Vital to be endorsed by one of
Kennedy at 43. the major parties, as third
parties rarely get large numbers
Must have lived in America for of votes. This can be seen with
at least 14 years. Perot (1992 & 1996) and
Johnson (2012 & 2016).
Presidents can only serve two However, should be noted that
terms in office, regardless of McMullin was leading the polls in
whether they were consecutive Utah despite not being a major
terms. party candidate.
Money Raising- campaigns are
expensive so unless rich, (Perot
1992, Forbes 1996/2000, Trump
2016) candidates must raise
money. Obama raised over $1bn
in 2012.
Effective and popular policies-
Policies must be practical and
relevant. Obama (2008)
benefitted heavily from support
for his policies of economic
stimulation. Trump’s (2016)
policies of economic
protectionism have proved
popular.
Invisible Primary:
Candidates are chosen by ordinary voters in the Primary system.
The period between the declaration of intent to run and before the first actual
primary, where candidates try to achieve name recognition, funding and
momentum.
The Invisible Primary is done through public appearances and the media.
Key events in the Invisible Primaries:
Requirements for presidential candidates:
Constitutional Requirements Extra-Constitutional
Requirements/Norms
Must be a natural-born Norm for the presidential
American citizen. This lead to candidate to have political
the ‘Birther’ conspiracy for experience, whether that be as a
Obama. governor, Senator, VP or even
member of the House.
Must be at least 35 years old.
Youngest elected President was Vital to be endorsed by one of
Kennedy at 43. the major parties, as third
parties rarely get large numbers
Must have lived in America for of votes. This can be seen with
at least 14 years. Perot (1992 & 1996) and
Johnson (2012 & 2016).
Presidents can only serve two However, should be noted that
terms in office, regardless of McMullin was leading the polls in
whether they were consecutive Utah despite not being a major
terms. party candidate.
Money Raising- campaigns are
expensive so unless rich, (Perot
1992, Forbes 1996/2000, Trump
2016) candidates must raise
money. Obama raised over $1bn
in 2012.
Effective and popular policies-
Policies must be practical and
relevant. Obama (2008)
benefitted heavily from support
for his policies of economic
stimulation. Trump’s (2016)
policies of economic
protectionism have proved
popular.
Invisible Primary:
Candidates are chosen by ordinary voters in the Primary system.
The period between the declaration of intent to run and before the first actual
primary, where candidates try to achieve name recognition, funding and
momentum.
The Invisible Primary is done through public appearances and the media.
Key events in the Invisible Primaries:
