Write 5 pages with APA style on Ron Paul and the Requirements of the U.S. Presidency. For the most visible position in America, the basic requirements are surprisingly few. First, one must be a native-born U.S. citizen, or, if born abroad have two parents who were U.S. citizens. There is actually a small loophole in this requirement, though no longer relevant. that is, if one became a U.S. citizen by the time the Constitution was adopted in 1789 then a presidential run was possible, providing that other conditions were met (Trethan). Secondly, a potential nominee must be at least 35 years of age. No maximum age limit has been set by the Constitution. Inaugurated in 1961, John F. Kennedy was the youngest individual to be elected president, at 43 years of age. The last explicit requirement is that the person must live in the United States for 14 years. The Constitution is not specific on whether those years have to be consecutive (Trethan). Before one is allowed to proceed with a run for the presidency, forms must be filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the agency tasked with administrating and enforcing the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) — the statute that governs the financing of federal elections (“FEC Mission,” n.d.). Required forms include the Statement of Candidacy and Report of Receipts and Disbursements (“Reporting Forms,” n.d.). Congressman Paul (R-Surfside Beach), filed papers on January 11, 2007, to run for president. It was his second time around, as he previously ran in 1988 as the Libertarian Party candidate (Nicols, 2007). The general consensus at the time of filing was that Paul had an extremely long shot chance in the battle to secure the Republican Party nomination, based on his Libertarian voting record and staunch opposition to the Iraq War and adoption of the Patriot Act, generally unpopular views within the Party.