What qualifications did Abraham Lincoln have to become president?

Answer 1

Abraham Lincoln met the age and birth place requirements for becoming the US president, however, the question would seem to be focused on "qualified on the basis being able to adequately handle the duties and responsibilities of the highest executive office in the United States". This makes the question a bit more interesting and a debatable one. With that said, here are some possible reasons as to why he was not qualified:

1. Lincoln had virtually no experience in the Federal government. His Federal experience was serving one term in the House of Representatives from 1847-1849;

2. His service in the Illinois State government was in the capacity of a legislature;

3. Lincoln therefore had no executive governmental experience nor did he have any private executive experience other than a two partner law firm;

4. In the opinion of many political scientists and historians, even a few terms in the US Senate, close to the time of becoming president would have greatly helped him as the US President;

5. Based on Lincoln's experience, he had no background in foreign affairs;

6. Based on the turbulent times of the day in the United States, the lack of executive & foreign affairs experience seemed to call for a candidate who perhaps may have held a Federal cabinet position, such as Secretary of War, or Secretary of State; and

7. Lincoln also had no State of Federal Judicial experience.

8. He had no real experience with wars, and as president the Native Tribe Wars were erupting;

Based on the above factors, he was not "qualified" as he had no of high level government experience of any kind.

However, with all that said, which is accurate, Lincoln was exceptionally intelligent and the demeanor to be US President. He was also a kind and understanding man which were an asset to being president.

Answer 2

he never quit