the electoral college campaigns & elections. c-span video link (winner take all vs....
TRANSCRIPT
The Electoral CollegeCAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS
C-SPAN Video
Link (Winner take all vs. proportional system)
Electoral College – Historical Context
An issue of the power of state vs. central government
Lack of transportation and communication in early America
The belief of the evilness of political parties
The lack of campaigning
Origins of the Electoral College
Rejected ideas: Congress choosing the president
State legislatures choosing the president
Direct election of the president
Committee of Eleven Indirect election of the president through a
college of electors
Electors would be the most knowledgeable and would disregard state origin or political party
Assigning Electors
States receive one elector for each member of the House of Representatives 435
States receive one elector for each Senator 100
What is the minimum amount of electors a state may have?
Population Shifts
So if the population moves, what could we expect from the amount of electoral votes (electors) each state gets?
US Census Population Shift Grid
Controversy
“…a majority of Americans have continually expressed support for the notion of an official amendment of the U.S. Constitution that would allow for direct election of the president.” – 2001 Gallop Poll
2000 Election
George Bush Al Gore
Popular Vote:50,456,00247.87%
Popular Vote:50,999,89748.38%
Electoral Votes:271
Electoral Votes:266
