As head of state and commander-in chief of the armed forces, the president of the United States is responsible for representing the best interests of every single American. With the power to authorize military actions, sign or veto laws, and even launch nuclear strikes, the president wields immense authority. It’s no stretch to say this position ranks among the most powerful on the planet.
Thinking about applying? Good news: the Executive Branch hires every four years.
Follow these 10 steps for a shot at becoming the next U.S. president. A word of caution: You’ll have a heavy workload, long hours, and no privacy. But there’s no other job like it in the free world.
Step 1: Be Born in the USA
The U.S. Constitution states that the president must be a natural born citizen of the United States. This is the one and only reason why Austrian-born actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t run for president.
Step 2: Turn 35
Your next step is to wait about 35 years. The Founding Fathers settled on this age requirement at the 1787 Constitutional Convention, believing it would ensure a leader of sound judgment, maturity, and wisdom.
Step 3: Live in the United States for 14 Years
The president is the only federal officer required to have lived in the United States for any amount of time. According to the Founding Fathers, 14 years is enough time for people to understand a presidential candidate and for that candidate, in turn, to appreciate the country’s values.
Step 4: Set the Foundation
You have decades to make a name for yourself in politics — plenty of time. Most candidates have advanced degrees, often in law or business. You can’t go wrong pursuing a degree in history, sociology, or political science.
Step 5: Choose Your Party
There are over 53 “third parties” in the U.S., but the country operates on a two-party system. If you want any shot at becoming president, you’ll likely have to register as a Democrat or Republican. Given today’s political polarization, choosing a party that aligns with your interests should be pretty straightforward.
Step 6: Start a Career in Politics
By now, you’ve earned degrees and accolades and are ready to pursue a career in politics. Though it’s not a requirement, running for and winning a race for mayor, governor, or senator in your state will bring you much-needed experience and exposure.
Step 7: Hit the Campaign Trail
Once you’re in the political spotlight, it’s time to announce your run for president. After registering with the Federal Election Commission in the spring a year before the presidential election, you’ll hit the campaign trail, rallying support around the country to win the favor of your political party.
Step 8: Secure the Nomination
Six to nine months before the election, primary voters in certain states choose their preferred candidate. Other states hold caucuses where a political party gathers and votes for a preferred candidate. Votes at primaries and caucuses award candidates with delegates, who represent their state at national conventions.
Get the majority of your party’s delegates and at the end of the national convention, your party will announce that you are the final presidential nominee. Then you’ll take the stage, give a rousing speech, and announce your running mate.
Step 9: Win the Debates
With the election months away, you and your opponent will go head-to-head in front of tens of millions of viewers. All eyes will be on you as you share your vision for the future of the nation. Stay calm, authentic, and above all, presidential.
Step 10: Win the Presidential Election
After years of planning, sacrifices, and nonstop campaigning, it all comes down to Election Day, held every four years on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. All you can do now is cast your vote and wait for the results. The rest is up to the voters … technically.
When people cast their vote, they’re actually voting for electors from each state. Each state has its own group of electors, and whichever candidate wins a state’s popular vote wins all that state’s electors. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, but you’ll need a majority (270) to win. That’s the magic number that’ll make you the leader of the free world.
Congratulations, Mister or Madam President
So, will you keep the drapes or give the Oval Office a complete makeover? The road to the White House was long and daunting, but here you are. Now, every choice you make will impact the nation’s future — at least, until your successor is elected.
Where to Begin?
Every U.S. president started exactly where you are now: reading a listicle on how to become president in 10 easy steps.
Okay, maybe not. But one thing’s for sure: Despite the unique paths that brought them to the presidency, they all prepared for the role — even if they didn’t have this convenient guide. If you want to be president, you’ll have to set yourself up for success, and you can start by earning an online degree from The University of Texas Permian Basin.
UT Permian Basin offers flexible online undergraduate and graduate programs that will look good on your resume and can set you up for a career in politics. Here are a few options we think are very presidential:
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Business Administration in:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Master of Arts in English
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Public Administration
We can’t promise that you’ll become the next U.S. president, but we can promise that our online programs deliver an exceptional education that will help you in your pursuit of a fulfilling and worthwhile career, whether it’s in politics or another path.
Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-executive-branch/
https://www.npr.org/2024/07/11/nx-s1-4914137/president-age-constitution
https://www.usa.gov/presidential-election-process
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-President-of-the-United-States
https://www.history.com/news/what-are-the-qualifications-to-be-president-of-the-united-states