I was listening to a John Mellencamp song, which was a series of letters written to the president (of the USA). I had a sudden flashback to being in sixth grade, and reading about how anyone could be president. As long as they were a male U.S. natural-born citizen over 35 years of age.

wtf?

I remember having quite a bunch of emotional reactions to that datum. And now I'm wondering... was the 'male' part just part of the teacher's assertion? Except when I imagine looking at the text book, I see the word 'male'. Was it an assumption of those who made the text book (reflective of the times)? Was there a law that said as much at some point? (I would guess not, as it just *was* everyone's assumption until ... a bit after the time I was in sixth grade).

It is very odd to suddenly feel ignorant on the topic.