SS.7.CG.2.7 Election Qualifications

Who Can Serve?

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A Representative Democracy

�The United States was established as a representative democracy (a
constitutional republic) by America’s
Founders.

�This means that the people rulebut indirectly.
�Through their elected representatives

�
Running for office and serving the public
is one way for citizens to fulfill their civic
duty!

�
But not every American can run for
every office…
�
The U.S. Constitution and state
constitutions establish requirements
to hold office.

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Who Can Serve as U.S. President?

�

The president must be:

� A natural born citizen of the U.S.

� (Not a naturalized citizen)

� A resident of the U.S. for 14

years

� (Cannot be living abroad [outside the United States])

� At least 35 years old

� Term limits: 2 terms of 4 years

� 22nd Amendment

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Reflection Question

�
The Constitution prevents anyone not born a
U.S. citizen from being president. Should this
continue to be a requirement? Why or why
not?

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Who Can Serve in Congress?

�

A congressperson must be:

� A U.S. citizen for at least 7 years

(House of Representatives) or 9
years (Senate)

� An inhabitant of the state they

would represent

� At least 25 years old (House of

Representatives) or 30 (Senate)

� Term limits: None

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Review Question

In which federal office can a 28-year-old serve?

•A. U.S. Senator
•B. U.S. Congressman
(House of Representatives)
•C. U.S. President

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Who Can Serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

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� There are NO qualifications in the

Constitution to be a Supreme Court Justice!

�

No requirements for age, citizenship,
residency

�

No requirements for legal experience

�

Same as for all federal judges

�Term limits: Justices serve for life

�

Until death, retirement, or impeachment

Review Question

Technically, who is eligible to serve on the U.S.
Supreme Court?

•A. A middle school student
•B. A foreign citizen
•C. Someone who is 122 years old
•D. Someone who has never been a judge

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Who Can Serve as Florida’s Governor?

�

The governor must be:

� A resident of Florida for at least

7 years

� (And a registered voter)

� At least 30 years old

� Term limits: 2 consecutive terms of

4 years

� But may serve a third term (or

more) in the future

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Review Question

How many terms can Florida’s governor serve?

•A. No limits
•B. 1 term only
•C. 2 terms only
•D. Unlimited terms, but only 2 in a row

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Who Can Serve in the Florida Legislature?

�

Members of the Florida House and Senate must be:

� A resident of Florida for at least

2 years

� A resident of the district they

represent

� At least 21 years old

� Term limits: 8 consecutive years in

office

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Reflection Question

�
How are the requirements for serving in the
Florida Legislature different from those for
serving in the U.S. Congress?

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Who Can Serve on Florida’s Supreme Court?

�
Justices of the Florida Supreme Court must
be:
�

A qualified, registered voter in Florida

�

A resident of Florida

�

Able to practice law in Florida for at least
10 previous years

�

Under 75 years old
�

State law requires mandatory
retirement at 75

�

Term limits: Justices serve 6-year terms
�

Then face a “merit vote” and must be
reelected

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Reflection Question

�
In your view, should there be requirements for
being a U.S. Supreme Court Justice similar to
those for being a Florida Supreme Court Justice?
Why or why not?

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Citations

•All images licensed from iStock, ThinkStock, Getty images, or Microsoft
Clipart unless otherwise noted..

11. By Chris die Seele - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52152756;

11. By Florida Senate
-https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_Senate_seal_color.png#/media/File:Florida_Senate_seal_color
.png

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