Final answer:
The "magic number" for a candidate to become U.S. President is 270 electoral votes, representing a majority within the Electoral College of 538 total votes. These votes are cast by electors chosen through the general election, and if no candidate reaches this threshold, the House of Representatives decides the election.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the U.S. Presidential Election Process
In the United States, the "magic number" that a candidate must achieve to become President is more than half of the Electoral College votes, which amounts to 270 out of 538. This system ensures that the winning candidate must secure a majority of electoral votes. In each state, the number of electors is equal to the total number of its U.S. Senators and Representatives, with a minimum of three for the least populated states. States like California have as many as 55 electors, while others like Minnesota and Wisconsin have ten, and Iowa has seven. The number of representatives is capped at 435 due to the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, thus the total number of electors in the Electoral College is fixed at 538. Electoral votes are cast by the electors selected by popular vote on Election Day. If no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes, a contingent election is held by the House of Representatives to determine the President.
It is important to note that the requirement for becoming President also includes being at least 35 years old, a resident of the U.S., and a natural-born citizen. As for the nomination process, to appear on the ballot, a candidate typically has to secure enough delegates during the primaries or collect a substantial number of signatures from registered voters.