5 answers
36
Questions
Updated
1080 views
How do you even become president?
I know you have to vote and all but what's the whole process? I always wanted to know.
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Fred’s Answer
I assume you mean President of the United States of America. According to the Constitution, you have to be 35, a natural born citizen (although strictly speaking, that term is not well defined legally), I think you have to have lived in the U.S. continuously for the past 10 years...and then get a majority of votes in the electoral college.
Realistically, that means building up your national profile. This is often done by being a governor of a large state, or a Senator or Representative in U.S. Congress - which again, require you to build up at least a state-wide recognition.
It takes a LOT of money, a LOT of connections, and a LOT of work. You're going to have a platform you support. Education? Homeless? The environment? Immigration? Where you stand on each of these issues will determine who will vote for you.
Realistically, that means building up your national profile. This is often done by being a governor of a large state, or a Senator or Representative in U.S. Congress - which again, require you to build up at least a state-wide recognition.
It takes a LOT of money, a LOT of connections, and a LOT of work. You're going to have a platform you support. Education? Homeless? The environment? Immigration? Where you stand on each of these issues will determine who will vote for you.
Lol so true. Thanks though!
Jazzy
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
The election of a United States president is a combination of voters and the states they happen to live in.
It's known as the Electoral College.
Each state has a certain number o f "electoral votes". The number is based upon how many people they send to Congress. The number of House members plus the two senators. Simple math. If a state sends five to the house, plus their two senators they have seven electoral votes.
Since there are 435 members of the House and 100 in the Senate, there are 535 electoral votes. Plus 3 for Washington D.C. Therefore there are 538 electoral votes.
In order to be elected president, one must receive an absolute majority of electoral votes (50% + 1). 538 divided by two is 269. Absolute majority is therefore 270. If no candidate receives an absolute majority, the House of Representatives elects the president, each state getting one vote. (Never happened.)
Therefore, when people vote for president in their respective states, whomever receives the most popular votes, in most states, receives all the electoral votes from that state. There are two exceptions: Maine and Nebraska. In those states the presidential candidate gets an electoral vote for each congressional district she/he wins. Then whomever wins the most votes in the state gets the other two electoral votes (senators). It is therefore possible to receive the most popular votes in the country but not win the Presidency, because the candidate didn't win enough state electoral votes. (Ask Hillary Clinton.)
Therefore, most presidential campaigns concentrate on the "doubtful states" in order to obtain enough electoral votes.
Most states are not doubtful. For the Democrats, it would be the West Coast and most of New England plus New York and New Jersey.. Then scattered around: Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, New Mexico, Hawaii. Republicans can count on the Deep South (now including Florida), the midwest (excluding Illinois), the mountain states (Nevada and Colorado lean Dem but ...) Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky.
Therefore a presidential candidate adds up the states they have little to worry about. They then concentrate on states that can go either way in order to put them "over the top".
In this election those doubtful states are: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada.
To further complicate the problems of campaigning, states (within federal law) have differing rules regarding the vote: early voting by mail or drop box, proof of the right to vote (There is currently much in the news regarding this.).
Every four years I do my "Fearless Predictions". I normally do it in early November (Election day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.).
But since I'm on this, I'll do a trail run. But remember, Bobby Kennedy said that "A month is a lifetime in politics."
At any rate, here goes:
Alabama - 9 (T); Alaska- 3 (T); Arizona - 11 (H); Arkansas - 6 (T); California - 54 (H); Colorado- 10 (T); Connecticut - 7 (H); Deleware - 3 (H); D.C. - 3 (H); Florida - 30 (T); Georgia - 16 (T); Hawaii - 4 (H); Idaho - 4 (T); Illinois - 19 (H); Indiana - 11 (T); Iowa - 6 (T); Kansas - 6 (T); Kentucky - 8 (T); Louisiana - 8 (T); Maine - 4 (H/3) (T/1); Maryland - 10 (H); Massachusetts - 11; Michigan - 15 (H); Minnesota - 10 (H); Mississippi - 6 (T); Missouri - 10 (T); Montana - 4 (T); Nebraska - 5 (T/4) (H/1); Nevada - 6 (H); New Hampshire - 4 (H); New Jersey - 14 (H); New Mexico - 5 (H); New York - 28 (H); North Carolina - 16 (H); North Dakota - 3 (T); Ohio - 17 (T); Oklahoma - 7 (T); Oregon - 8 (H); Pennsylvania - 19 (H); Rhode Island - 4 (H); South Carolina - 9 (T); South Dakota - 3 (T); Tennessee - 11 (T); Texas - 40 (T); Utah - 6 (T); Vermont - 3 (H); Virginia - 13 (H); Washington - 12 (H); West Virginia - 4 (T); Wisconsin - 10 (H); Wyoming - 3 (T).
I didn't add them up. You can do that. And don't forget to vote. And keep up with the news.
It's known as the Electoral College.
Each state has a certain number o f "electoral votes". The number is based upon how many people they send to Congress. The number of House members plus the two senators. Simple math. If a state sends five to the house, plus their two senators they have seven electoral votes.
Since there are 435 members of the House and 100 in the Senate, there are 535 electoral votes. Plus 3 for Washington D.C. Therefore there are 538 electoral votes.
In order to be elected president, one must receive an absolute majority of electoral votes (50% + 1). 538 divided by two is 269. Absolute majority is therefore 270. If no candidate receives an absolute majority, the House of Representatives elects the president, each state getting one vote. (Never happened.)
Therefore, when people vote for president in their respective states, whomever receives the most popular votes, in most states, receives all the electoral votes from that state. There are two exceptions: Maine and Nebraska. In those states the presidential candidate gets an electoral vote for each congressional district she/he wins. Then whomever wins the most votes in the state gets the other two electoral votes (senators). It is therefore possible to receive the most popular votes in the country but not win the Presidency, because the candidate didn't win enough state electoral votes. (Ask Hillary Clinton.)
Therefore, most presidential campaigns concentrate on the "doubtful states" in order to obtain enough electoral votes.
Most states are not doubtful. For the Democrats, it would be the West Coast and most of New England plus New York and New Jersey.. Then scattered around: Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, New Mexico, Hawaii. Republicans can count on the Deep South (now including Florida), the midwest (excluding Illinois), the mountain states (Nevada and Colorado lean Dem but ...) Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky.
Therefore a presidential candidate adds up the states they have little to worry about. They then concentrate on states that can go either way in order to put them "over the top".
In this election those doubtful states are: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada.
To further complicate the problems of campaigning, states (within federal law) have differing rules regarding the vote: early voting by mail or drop box, proof of the right to vote (There is currently much in the news regarding this.).
Every four years I do my "Fearless Predictions". I normally do it in early November (Election day is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.).
But since I'm on this, I'll do a trail run. But remember, Bobby Kennedy said that "A month is a lifetime in politics."
At any rate, here goes:
Alabama - 9 (T); Alaska- 3 (T); Arizona - 11 (H); Arkansas - 6 (T); California - 54 (H); Colorado- 10 (T); Connecticut - 7 (H); Deleware - 3 (H); D.C. - 3 (H); Florida - 30 (T); Georgia - 16 (T); Hawaii - 4 (H); Idaho - 4 (T); Illinois - 19 (H); Indiana - 11 (T); Iowa - 6 (T); Kansas - 6 (T); Kentucky - 8 (T); Louisiana - 8 (T); Maine - 4 (H/3) (T/1); Maryland - 10 (H); Massachusetts - 11; Michigan - 15 (H); Minnesota - 10 (H); Mississippi - 6 (T); Missouri - 10 (T); Montana - 4 (T); Nebraska - 5 (T/4) (H/1); Nevada - 6 (H); New Hampshire - 4 (H); New Jersey - 14 (H); New Mexico - 5 (H); New York - 28 (H); North Carolina - 16 (H); North Dakota - 3 (T); Ohio - 17 (T); Oklahoma - 7 (T); Oregon - 8 (H); Pennsylvania - 19 (H); Rhode Island - 4 (H); South Carolina - 9 (T); South Dakota - 3 (T); Tennessee - 11 (T); Texas - 40 (T); Utah - 6 (T); Vermont - 3 (H); Virginia - 13 (H); Washington - 12 (H); West Virginia - 4 (T); Wisconsin - 10 (H); Wyoming - 3 (T).
I didn't add them up. You can do that. And don't forget to vote. And keep up with the news.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Jazzy
Your Fearless Predictions are interesting! What do (H) and (T) stand for? I'm guessing Harris v Trump but wanted to confirm
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
maybe idk :]
Jazzy
Updated
Elaine’s Answer
What kind of president do you want to be? Are you looking to become president of the United States? President of a large corporation? President of a social, political, or non-profit group?
If you want to be President of the United States, you should start right now. Join group on campus and work you way into leadership roles in the groups. After college, run for local offices, again working you way up the ladder to more responsability. You will need to cultivate lots of support to get lots of money to pay for these campaigns. If you do make it to President of the United States you will make $400,000. a year. This will probably increase soon as the last time Congress set the presidents salary was 2001.
Being president of a corporation requires leadership also. You have to prove yourself as a manager of people and business. You will need to gain expertese in the company's products, and make sure you and the company share simolar goals, values, and direction. You would not have to travel all over the country every few years spending exorbitnant amounts of money to secure your position, but you will be at the mercy of the board of Directors. If they don't like something you did or said you could be out of a job. According to Salary.com the average salary for a corporate president is $858.701. and ranges from over $1,000,000. to around $400,000. As a corporate president you will also have access to bonuses, stock sharing, and other perks.
The president of a social, polotical, or non-profit group needs to demonstrate leadership, knowledge, and passion for the organization. Being the presedent of one of these groups can help you obtain a corporate president or US president position. It usually doesn't cost a lot of money to run for these positions. The groups you join will dictate the path you take in your life's work. Average alaries in this category are $121.900. with a range from about $0,00. to over $170,000. according to Salary.com.
It is great to have such ambition so early in your adult life. Whatever you decide I wish you luck. Remember it is often who you know that gets you started and what you know that keeps propelling you forward.
If you want to be President of the United States, you should start right now. Join group on campus and work you way into leadership roles in the groups. After college, run for local offices, again working you way up the ladder to more responsability. You will need to cultivate lots of support to get lots of money to pay for these campaigns. If you do make it to President of the United States you will make $400,000. a year. This will probably increase soon as the last time Congress set the presidents salary was 2001.
Being president of a corporation requires leadership also. You have to prove yourself as a manager of people and business. You will need to gain expertese in the company's products, and make sure you and the company share simolar goals, values, and direction. You would not have to travel all over the country every few years spending exorbitnant amounts of money to secure your position, but you will be at the mercy of the board of Directors. If they don't like something you did or said you could be out of a job. According to Salary.com the average salary for a corporate president is $858.701. and ranges from over $1,000,000. to around $400,000. As a corporate president you will also have access to bonuses, stock sharing, and other perks.
The president of a social, polotical, or non-profit group needs to demonstrate leadership, knowledge, and passion for the organization. Being the presedent of one of these groups can help you obtain a corporate president or US president position. It usually doesn't cost a lot of money to run for these positions. The groups you join will dictate the path you take in your life's work. Average alaries in this category are $121.900. with a range from about $0,00. to over $170,000. according to Salary.com.
It is great to have such ambition so early in your adult life. Whatever you decide I wish you luck. Remember it is often who you know that gets you started and what you know that keeps propelling you forward.
Thank you!
Jazzy
Updated
Adaobi Maryann’s Answer
Hello Jazzy, we begin by knowing the definition of a president.
A president is an officer in whom the chief executive power of a nation, assembly or organization is vested. He/She is entrusted with the direction and administration of policies etc. Now that we have a clue, I can confidently tell you that a president must be a leader before becoming a president.
Leadership roles prepare one for a greater task ahead. One can become a leader from his or her little beginning for example, in the church, school, meetings, social clubs, career/peer groups etc . Once you are doing well, your works will project you to a higher level.
By doing well I mean, qualities of a good leader. Some qualities;
1. You must have the heart of the people.
2. You must be sincere and accountable(integrity).
3. You must be respectful to your subjects.
4. You must show courage and resilience even in times when hope is lost.
5. You must be compassionate.
6. Always have a positive approach and encourage your subjects.
7. Humility.
There are lot more. I choose these seven for a start. Humility will take you places.
Now you see that you are in for a great task in wanting to become a president. You are in for a huge sacrifice.
Good things doesn't come easily but being persistent you will thrive.
When you have become successful as a good leader, voting you in for a president won't be a difficult issue.
Now, you have to start from step one which is becoming a leader in your little environment. Cheers to a greater height in your quest.
A president is an officer in whom the chief executive power of a nation, assembly or organization is vested. He/She is entrusted with the direction and administration of policies etc. Now that we have a clue, I can confidently tell you that a president must be a leader before becoming a president.
Leadership roles prepare one for a greater task ahead. One can become a leader from his or her little beginning for example, in the church, school, meetings, social clubs, career/peer groups etc . Once you are doing well, your works will project you to a higher level.
By doing well I mean, qualities of a good leader. Some qualities;
1. You must have the heart of the people.
2. You must be sincere and accountable(integrity).
3. You must be respectful to your subjects.
4. You must show courage and resilience even in times when hope is lost.
5. You must be compassionate.
6. Always have a positive approach and encourage your subjects.
7. Humility.
There are lot more. I choose these seven for a start. Humility will take you places.
Now you see that you are in for a great task in wanting to become a president. You are in for a huge sacrifice.
Good things doesn't come easily but being persistent you will thrive.
When you have become successful as a good leader, voting you in for a president won't be a difficult issue.
Now, you have to start from step one which is becoming a leader in your little environment. Cheers to a greater height in your quest.
Updated
Shayla’s Answer
You have to be 35 or older, born or at least reside in the US, you have to be not only locally recognized but nationally recognized which means you have to build quite a huge profile and you have to have lots and lots and lots of money as well
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Jazzy