Can a Felon Run for President?
Can a Felon Run for President? Exploring the Legal and Constitutional Dimensions The question of whether a felon can run for president in the United States is both fascinating and complex, touching upon the nuances of the U.S. Constitution, federal law, and the democratic principles that underpin American society. This blog post delves into the intricacies of this issue, addressing various aspects and frequently asked questions. Understanding the Constitutional Framework The U.S. Constitution sets the qualifications for presidential candidates in Article II, Section 1, Clause 5. According to this clause, a presidential candidate must meet three criteria: Be a natural-born citizen of the United States. Be at least 35 years old. Have been a resident of the United States for at least 14 years. Notably, the Constitution does not explicitly disqualify felons from running for president. This absence of disqualifying language opens the door for the possibility that a felon could indeed run fo...