The American election explained (to Canadians, by Maclean’s Magazine)
The American election explained (to Canadians, by Maclean’s Magazine)
or What the heck is going on down there?!
By Amanda Shendruk , with research assistance from Nick Taylor-Vaisey
For Canadians, the American electoral process is mind boggling, so we’ve whittled down the confusion to just what’s important. And we added cute drawings to make it palatable.
Can I run for president?
Well, no, you can’t. Not if you’re Canadian (unless you’re the Ted Cruz kind of Canadian, then you’re fine).
Here in Canada, potential prime ministers aren't technically subject to a set of qualifications—there are no official age restrictions and no citizenship requirements, for example. In practice, prime ministers are members of Parliament, which means they're Canadian citizens who are at least 18 years old. South of the border, however, Americans apply three stringent criteria to their presidents: be a natural-born citizen; be 35 years of age or older; and have been a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.
That’s just what’s in the legal books. In reality, you’re unlikely to become president unless you’re also male, white (present White House occupant notwithstanding), Christian, over 50 years old, have earned a post-secondary degree, and either served in the military or practiced law. With the exception of military service, that pretty much describes most Canadian prime ministers, too.
Click this link to read the whole boondoggle:
http://site.macleans.ca/interactives/electionExplained/index_01.html
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I would imagine that there are quite a few Americans who probably need to read this as well.
LOL, confusion reigns supreme.
Personally, I still don't understand it, and truly wonder at why it is not standardized since it is for the president of the whole country, not just for individual states.