The only test not allowed to hold public office is a religious test, so...

[haele]

How about a requirement to pass a 10th grade civics test - or hell, a green-card citizen's test - two weeks before you can be added to a federal office by appointment or be allowed to have your name on a ballot for a federal office primary or run-off.

Might weed out the outright idiots like Gohmert or Tuberville. Won't weed out corruption, just idiots. And we might be able to get rid of the idea that some folks have about wanting to have a guy sitting next to one on a sports bar stool Saturday night to be Senator or Prez because "he shares my values" or some other emotionally driven nonsense.

Please discuss....

Haele

[BComplex]

1. After 4 years of an idiot embarrassing the United States, I think it's the least we should do.

If they can't pass the same test someone has to pass to become a citizen, they have no business making decisions for an increasingly complex world.

It might be the only civics lesson some of these assholes have ever had.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. There is, for all practical purposes, a religious test.

Don't dare be an open atheist or agnostic.

[Binkie The Clown]

3. I think there should be a "ladder" of public service.

Something like a regular succession of offices. For example, you could not be a mayor until you've served a term on the city council; you can't be a governor until you've served a term as a mayor; You can't be president until you've served as a governor, or Congress person.

Those are just examples. There might be multiple paths to eligibility for each office, but each path would require a demonstrated ability to perform the duties of public office.