Table of Contents
The United States Constitution provides the legal framework for presidential elections. It establishes the processes, qualifications, and procedures that ensure the election of the President and Vice President. These provisions aim to create a fair and orderly electoral system.
Electoral College
The Constitution assigns the Electoral College as the body responsible for electing the President and Vice President. Each state appoints electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives. The electors cast votes based on the popular vote within their state.
The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes becomes President. If no candidate achieves a majority, the House of Representatives chooses the President from the top three candidates, with each state delegation having one vote.
Qualifications for Candidates
The Constitution sets specific requirements for presidential candidates. They must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen of the United States, and have resided in the country for at least 14 years. These criteria aim to ensure candidates have sufficient experience and allegiance.
Election Timeline
Presidential elections are held every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The Constitution specifies that the Electoral College must meet by December 19 to cast their votes. The newly elected President is inaugurated on January 20.
Additional Provisions
The Constitution also addresses issues such as the counting of electoral votes, procedures for resolving disputes, and the roles of Congress in certifying election results. These rules help maintain the legitimacy of the electoral process.