Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have formal and informal qualifications for membership. What is the main difference between formal and informal qualifications?
A.
Formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution.
B.
Formal qualifications do not have to be followed.
C.
Informal qualifications include age and citizenship.
D
.
Informal qualifications are not political in nature.
A. Formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution.
A. Formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution.
The main difference between formal and informal qualifications for membership in the Senate and the House of Representatives is that formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution, while informal qualifications are not.
Option A is the correct answer: Formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution. The Constitution explicitly states the formal requirements for individuals to become members of Congress. For example, in order to be a member of the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and be a resident of the state they seek to represent. Similarly, to be a member of the House of Representatives, a person must be at least 25 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and be a resident of the state they seek to represent. These formal qualifications are specific and legally required.
On the other hand, informal qualifications, which are not mentioned in the Constitution, may include factors such as a candidate's political experience, personal connections, party affiliation, fundraising abilities, or public speaking skills. These informal qualifications can vary and are not legally mandated, but they can play a significant role in determining a candidate's viability or success in election campaigns.
To summarize, while formal qualifications for membership in Congress are clearly defined in the Constitution, informal qualifications are more subjective and can encompass a range of factors that are not legally mandated.