Should Political Candidates be Required to Pass Cognitive And Ethical Evaluations?

Often times we question the validity and sharpness of our leaders. And rightly so as their decisions influence citizens globally. Cognitive evaluations assess mental abilities such as memory, reasoning, and decision-making, while ethical evaluations aim to measure moral judgment, values, and behavior. The concept reflects broader efforts to ensure that those in power possess the intellectual and moral capacity to govern effectively and responsibly. Historically, political eligibility has focused on age, citizenship, and residency requirements, with democratic systems relying on elections as the primary form of vetting. However, debates about mental fitness and ethical conduct have surfaced throughout history, especially during times of political scandal or instability. While some roles in government and military service require psychological assessments, applying similar standards to elected officials raises questions about fairness, objectivity, and democratic choice.