United States Political System

The number of electors assigned to each state in the Electoral College is equal to the sum of its Senators (always two) and its Representatives in the House (based on population). Therefore, the total number of electors is equal to the total number of voting members in the U.S. Congress (435 Representatives + 100 Senators), plus three electors allocated to the District of Columbia.

Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution outlines three primary qualifications for the presidency: the candidate must be a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years of age, and a resident within the United States for at least 14 years. These are often referred to as the three constitutional tests for eligibility.

The United States was the pioneer in establishing domicile qualifications for individuals seeking public appointments. This practice aimed to ensure a strong connection between public officials and the specific communities they served, reflecting the federalist structure of the American government where local representation is prioritized. This requirement ensures that representatives are familiar with the local needs and interests of their constituents.

According to the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, Congress is required to assemble at least once every year. This meeting must begin at noon on the 3rd day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. This ensures that the legislative branch remains active and capable of addressing national issues, passing budgets, and performing oversight on a regular, predictable schedule.