Can Anybody Be President of the United States?

 

VOANews: Can Anybody Be President of the United States? 

According to the U.S. Constitution, the job is only open to those who meet the following requirements: be at least 35 years old, have lived within the U.S. for 14 years and be a natural-born citizen.

The founders hoped age might bring with it wisdom and maturity. The average lifespan was less than 40 years at the time the Constitution was adopted.

Most legal experts believe natural-born citizen applies to a person born in the U.S. or born to parents who are U.S. citizens.

These requirements were intended to discourage foreign influence.