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Mister/Madam President
Step One:
Making the Decision		 Step Two:
Gathering Support		 Step Three:
The Primary Process		 Step Four:
The Convention		 Step Five:
The Election		 Step Six:
Electoral College

Step 1: Making the Decision

Scenario:
Should you run for the office of President? This is a pretty big decision to make. Some considerations:

  • Do you have the stamina? This is a long process, grueling in some ways. It can take almost two years and there will be many people who feel that they should be President more than you should.

  • How will this affect your family? Your family will have to campaign with you. Are they up to the task? Are they prepared to hear people disagree with you and sometimes say mean things about you? Are your children too young for all this?

  • Can you raise the money? Each candidate will spend somewhere around $100 million in order to campaign for the Presidency. Do you have the kind of personality that will attract big donors? Check out the Federal Election Commission's report on campaign expenditures for George Bush and Al Gore.

  • Are you qualified? There are three Constitutional requirements to running for President. What do you think they are? Click here to find out!

  • Do you have a vision for America?Can you articulate your vision of where America should be going so everyone understands?

Activity:
If you believe you can do all these things, then write your Announcement Speech in which you tell everyone why you want to be President.

 After doing that, begin STEP 2: GATHERING SUPPORT.

 
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