I think you are on to something here. Perhaps a battery of tests that includes physical, intelligence, knowledge, emotional, patriotism, personal history, and competitiveness should be required for those who wish to hold public office. After minimum, qualifying standards have been met, the results of these tests are released to voters and they can assign whatever weight to them they want. We are more likely to get higher quality, more dedicated, less petty politicians as well as reporters if we include them. While we are at it, maybe we can include executives of a company size exceeding a certain threshold, as large companies can exert significant pressure on our political system. Cronyism may be reduced as an additional benefit. Now what about the aged, handicapped, gender issues, and general racial attributes? Test standards should be set based on general population norms with physical allowances given for gender only. If the handicapped or aged cannot pass a part of these tests, such as the physical part, they are not qualified. No exceptions should be given, even for combat veterans. This seems harsh, but we need to establish there should be no exceptions passing the required battery of tests no matter what. The mind body connection is strong and society as a whole deserves to have above average people represent them. Look at nature. Survival in this ultimate competitive environment yields the strongest and most capable competitors. Tests are just a more civil way to do it. Individuals who fail these tests, but have positive attributes elsewhere can contribute in a lesser position according to their strength. The current makeup of our Government would look a whole lot different if this idea were to be implimented. Looking at the poll numbers of Pelosi, Shumer, Trump, and other prominent high ranking politicians who would likely not qualify with this prosposed battery of exams, our political system may very well be stronger and more representative.