Should there be mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:
According to the data from the visual above, what percent of Americans believe there should be mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
Members of what political party are most likely to support mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
Draw a conclusion about whether there is bipartisan support (support from both major political parties) for mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
What group or institution would have to make a rule implementing mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
Explain the likelihood of actual implementation of mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75.
Joe Biden was the oldest president ever when he left office at age 82. Current President Trump is 78. Why do you think so many American support mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75?
Explain whether there should be mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians over 75? While you’re at it, explain whether there should be mandatory mental-competency tests for politicians UNDER 75?
Large majorities of Americans believe there should be a maximum age for someone to serve in the U.S. as president (76%), senator (73%), or member of Congress (72%). When asked what the maximum age should be, the average ages given (between the range of 35 and 100) are 67 for president and 66 for senator and member of Congress (the median age given is 70 for all three positions). If an age limit of 66 were in effect, almost half of senators currently in office would be ineligible, as the median age of current senators is about 65. Identify what you think should be the maximum age for the following offices: President; Senate; House; Judiciary; Santa Clause.
According to the Twenty-Fifth Amendment, Section 4. “Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.” Explain how likely it is that the President pro tempore of the Senate (Republican, Charles Grassley -age 91) and Speaker of the House (Republican, Mike Johnson - age 53) will declare Donald Trump (Republican - age 78) unable to discharge his duties?
Explain the paradox that Americans say we should not allow older politicians to serve in office, yet we keep electing older and older politicians.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
You can sign this petition for mandatory retirement at age 65 for all 3 branches of government, or better yet, make your own petition. Share a link to your petition in the comments section below and I will share it with other students!
Get Creative
I had Gemini AI write a diss rap about old politicians. Write your own diss rap about the gerontocracy (government by the old).
(Record scratch) Yo, let's talk about these folks...
(Verse 1)
Suit and tie brigade, slicked back hair
Talkin' 'bout "the good old days," like they still care
Years in office, same old song
Promises whispered, where did they go wrong?
Backroom deals, handshakes in the shade
While the working folk got bills to pay, they're made
Of money, power, and fancy champagne
Livin' high, while we're stuck in the rain.
(Chorus)
Yo, these politicians, they stuck in the past
Their ideas outdated, ain't built to last
Got their fingers in the pie, and crumbs on their chin
While the new generation's fightin', tryin' to win.
They sayin' "respect your elders," but where's the respect
For the people they're leavin', the ones they neglect?
Time for a change, a shift in the power
'Cause these old timers' reign is a little bit sour.
(Verse 2)
They walkin' slow, talkin' even slower
Thinkin' they know best, but we know better, yo
Filibusterin' and stallin' the game
While the world's on fire, it's a cryin' shame.
Technology passin' 'em by in a flash
Still usin' fax machines, ain't that a clash?
They reminiscin' 'bout the wars they survived
But what about the battles where we strive to thrive?
(Chorus)
Yo, these politicians, they stuck in the past
Their ideas outdated, ain't built to last
Got their fingers in the pie, and crumbs on their chin
While the new generation's fightin', tryin' to win.
They sayin' "respect your elders," but where's the respect
For the people they're leavin', the ones they neglect?
Time for a change, a shift in the power
'Cause these old timers' reign is a little bit sour.
(Bridge)
We need some fresh blood, some new energy
People who understand what we're tryna be
Tech-savvy minds, and hearts full of fire
To take this nation higher and higher.
(Outro)
So step aside, old guard, your time has flown
Let the young folks take the reins, let 'em be known
The future's callin', and it's loud and clear
We need leaders now, who got nothin' to fear!
Word.
Learning Extension
Watch this video explainer from FiveThirtyEight about why there are so many Boomers in Congress.
