Is it Legal for a Woman to Become President of the United States?

Article II Section I of the United States Constitution does not explicitly bar a woman from becoming the President of the United States. The traditional use of the pronoun 'he' in historical and legal documents is no bar to a woman's eligibility for the highest office in the land.

Evolution of Pronoun Usage in Legal Documents

Traditionally, in English, 'he' has been the default for all genders. This practice is changing as modern society seeks to be more inclusive and gender-neutral. It is important to note that 'he' in historical documents, such as the US Constitution, does not imply that women are barred from certain roles or rights.

The Supreme Court has ruled that using 'he' in historical documents is not synonymous with exclusion but rather a default usage. Therefore, the Constitution's use of 'he' and 'his' does not prevent a woman from becoming President.

The Constitution and Gender Neutrality

A detailed look at the language of the Constitution reveals that masculine pronouns are used in the 25th Amendment 17 times. However, these pronouns do not specify a gender for the President or other federal officials. The choice to use such pronouns reflects historical norms rather than a legal restriction. Amending the Constitution just to use gender-neutral language would be a significant waste of time and resources.

Eligibility Requirements According to the Constitution

The only requirements for becoming the President of the United States are listed in Article II, Section I:

Must be a natural-born citizen or a citizen of the United States at the time of the adoption of the Constitution. Must have attained the age of 35 years. Must have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.

There are no gender-specific pronouns included in these requirements. Historically, the framers of the Constitution did not restrict the presidency based on gender. For instance, women could run for president even before obtaining the right to vote. In an unlikely scenario where a woman like Susan B. Anthony had won the presidency, we might be discussing President Susan B. Anthony today.

Conclusion

The Constitution does not legally bar a woman from becoming President. The traditional use of male pronouns does not imply such a restriction. Women can become the President provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Constitution.

As society advances, so does the language we use. While the Constitution's language remains historically rooted, the spirit of equality and inclusivity remains paramount. The ability of a woman to run for and potentially win the presidency is a testament to the progress America has made in promoting gender equality.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, consult a legal professional.