what is the biggest problem with the electoral college quizlet

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10-11-2024

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The Electoral College: A System Under Fire

The Electoral College, a unique feature of the American presidential election system, has been the subject of intense debate for decades. While it has played a role in shaping American history, it also presents several challenges that raise questions about its fairness and effectiveness. The biggest problem with the Electoral College is its potential to disenfranchise voters and undermine the principle of "one person, one vote."

How the Electoral College Works:

The Electoral College system determines the winner of the presidential election based on the number of electors each state receives. These electors are chosen by each state based on their representation in Congress, with each state getting a number of electors equal to the total number of its senators and representatives. The candidate who wins the majority of electors (at least 270 out of 538) wins the presidency.

The Issue of Disenfranchisement:

The Electoral College's biggest flaw lies in its potential to elect a president who did not win the popular vote. This has happened five times in U.S. history, most recently in 2016. This outcome arises because the system awards electors based on the winner-take-all principle in most states. This means that even if a candidate loses the popular vote in a state, they can still win all of that state's electoral votes.

Why This Matters:

This system can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency even though they received fewer votes nationwide than their opponent. This undermines the principle of "one person, one vote" and can create a sense of disenfranchisement among voters who feel their vote doesn't matter.

Additional Concerns:

The Electoral College also faces several other criticisms:

• Focus on Swing States: The system incentivizes candidates to focus their campaigning efforts on a limited number of "swing states" that could potentially shift the election outcome, leaving other states largely ignored.
• Undermining the Popular Vote: The Electoral College system can create a situation where the candidate who wins the popular vote can still lose the presidency. This can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and undermines the legitimacy of the election.
• Disproportionate Power to Smaller States: The system gives smaller states a disproportionate amount of power in the presidential election. This is because each state receives at least three electors, regardless of its population.

Alternative Systems:

There have been several proposals to reform or replace the Electoral College system. These include:

• National Popular Vote: This system would award the presidency to the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide.
• Proportional Allocation of Electoral Votes: This system would allocate electoral votes proportionally based on the popular vote in each state.
• Direct Election: This system would eliminate the Electoral College entirely and elect the president directly based on the popular vote.

The Debate Continues:

The Electoral College remains a highly contentious issue, with strong opinions on both sides. While some argue that it preserves the balance of power between large and small states, others believe that it disenfranchises voters and undermines the principles of democracy. The ongoing debate about the Electoral College reflects the complexity and evolving nature of American democracy.