This may surprise you, but I have the qualifications to become President of the United States. You may be equally surprised to know that you probably do, too.

Although it is generally considered to be the most powerful position in the world, the President of the United States is required to have just three qualifications, according to the U.S. Constitution:

• Be a natural-born citizen of the United States

• Be at least 35 years old

• Be a resident of the United States for 14 years.

No educational requirements, experience or special skills are necessary. Many have questioned why the framers of the Constitution did not specify more relevant requirements for the top job in the land.

There were a number of reasons. First of all, we must remember we are dealing with men who were living in the 18th century. The framers mandated an age limit to ensure that only mature men would be elected. Back then, the life expectancy for a white male - the only allowable group that could be considered for the presidency - was 38 years, quite a difference from today’s 76.4 years. Many believe the “natural born” provision was included to prevent the likes of Alexander Hamilton, who was born in the West Indies, from being elected.

Looking at the 45 men who have been president, all of them have had prior governmental and/or military experience except Donald Trump. By contrast, potential corporate CEOs are questioned, analyzed and probed and have numerous minimum requirements to assess their qualifications for the job, whereas the president must meet only age, birthplace and residency requirements.

We must also remember that the Constitution was written during a period in our history when political parties were in their infancy, when honor was sacred and the definition of patriotism was universally accepted.

Realistically, in today’s world, should our presidents know how to speak a foreign language? Should they have a minimum of governmental experience? Should they have at least a high school education? Should they have had military service? Should they be required to take an IQ test and achieve at least a minimum score? Should they be physically and mentally fit and pass physical and psychological tests to prove it? Should there be other minimum requirements to prove their fitness and ability to serve, and, if so, what should they be?

There are age requirements for holding all elected political offices, regardless of whether they are federal, state or local. Curiously, our current President Joe Biden was elected as a 29-year-old senator from Delaware but turned 30, the minimum required age to hold the job according to the Constitution, a few weeks after the November election and before he took office in January 1973.

Williams Jennings Bryan was the youngest major party candidate to run for president in the General Election. He was just 36 when he opposed William McKinley, who won the election in 1896.

I was interested in comparing the requirements of other jobs. For example, Lehighton is seeking a new borough manager and has received eight applications for the job. According to the job description, candidates should have municipal government or executive level, private sector experience; outstanding interpersonal skills; strong financial skills and planning/zoning knowledge; a bachelor’s degree; and strong communication skills.

Slatington was seeking a police officer recently. In its requirements for the job, the borough said the candidate must have “a minimum of an associate degree or prior experience as a campus police officer or as a community-based police officer.”

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, to become a teacher in Pennsylvania requires completion of a teacher education program that has both regional accreditation and accreditation by the state Department of Education and proficiency in one’s chosen field.

An electrician needs a state-issued license, knowledge of electrical codes and safety regulations, ability to read and interpret blueprints and schematics, proficiency in electrical installation, maintenance and repair and physical stamina and dexterity to work in tight spaces and climb ladders.

Sanitation workers require proven work experience as a sanitation worker or similar role, knowledge of proper lifting techniques when handling heavy objects, experience working with hazardous materials and knowledge of proper waste disposal methods and working knowledge of GPS and online mapping sites.

To join the team at McDonald’s in Mahoning Township, candidates should have “top notch verbal communication, detailed knowledge of McDonald’s systems, excellent knowledge of food preparation and hygiene procedures, first-class customer service skills and exacting inventory management skills.”

By BRUCE FRASSINELLI| tneditor@tnonline.com

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.