-
The Electoral College, explained
Why some Americans’ votes count more than others.
Become a Vox member: https://www.vox.com/support-now
In the 2000 US presidential election, the Democratic candidate got half a million more votes than the Republican. The Democrat lost. Sixteen years later the same thing happened again. In the US, if you run for president, it does not actually matter how many people in the country vote for you. What matters instead is an arcane system for selecting America’s head of state called the Electoral College.
The Electoral College is the reason the US has something called “swing states,” and it’s the reason those places get to decide the future of the country. It’s the reason presidential candidates almost never campaign in the country’s biggest cities. And more recently, it’s also the reason th...
published: 31 Oct 2020
-
US election: What is the electoral college and how does it work?
The most popular US presidential candidate could end up losing the election. Here is why.
READ MORE : https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/27/us-election-what-is-the-electoral-college-and-how-does-it-work
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published: 27 Oct 2020
-
Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained - Christina Greer
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the-electoral-college-explained-christina-greer
You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state's electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels.
Lesson by Christina Greer, animation by Marked Animation.
published: 01 Nov 2012
-
The US electoral system explained
We break down how the US electoral system works. #USElection #Election2020 #US
2020 Presidential Race 🇺🇸
👉 http://trt.world/Race2020
published: 01 Nov 2020
-
How the US election works - BBC News
The president of the United States isn’t directly elected by American voters but by members of what's known as the electoral college. Here’s how the system works.
Motion graphics by Jacqueline Galvin. Produced by Jake Horton and Sarah Glatte.
Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
published: 14 Sep 2020
-
US Presidential Election explained (explainity® explainer video)
Every 4 years the United States of America is electing a new president. The process itself is rather long and very old - even outdated - wich makes the whole undertaking somewhat complicated. In this video, we are trying to break it down for you anyway.
Script download: www.explainity.com/education-project/transskripte/
-------
This explainer video was produced by explainity GmbH
Homepage: www.explainity.com
E-Mail: [email protected]
This explanatory film was produced and published for private, non-commercial use and may be used free of charge in this context for private purposes without consultation or written authorization. Please note, however, that neither the content nor the graphics of this explanatory film may be altered in any way. Please always give explainity as the s...
published: 28 Aug 2020
-
Why the Electoral College Exists | Nat Geo Explores
Every four years, people head to the polls to vote for the next President of the United States. However, the popular vote doesn't directly elect any candidate. Instead, citizens are voting for a slate of electors, who have promised to cast their states' votes after the election. Today, the Electoral College system is very controversial, leading many people to ask: why does it exist at all? That answer lies in the history of the Constitution and how its creators originally believed America's brand-new government should run and how its leader should be elected. As it turns out, the Electoral College was just as contentious in 1787 as it is today.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
➡ Watch all clips of Nat Geo Explores here: https://bit.ly/NGExplores
About Nat Geo Explores:
From Nat...
published: 21 Oct 2020
-
This is why we still have the Electoral College
The Electoral College is the system by which Americans elect their president every four years. When American voters go to the polls for a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors who have pledged to support a specific candidate. These electors cast their own votes, and the winner is elected to the presidency.
Two hundred years ago, the Framers incorporated the Electoral College into the United States Constitution, and to this day it remains one of the most controversial aspects of that document. But despite numerous attempts to reform or even abolish it, the Electoral College remains the mechanism by which Americans choose their president every four years. So why is it still around?
Alex Keyssar, Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Poli...
published: 10 Sep 2020
-
The Trouble with the Electoral College
http://www.cgpgrey.com/
published: 07 Nov 2011
-
Is The Electoral College Killing the Democratic Process?
There’s been 5 times in U.S. history where the guy who became president lost the popular vote, but won the electoral vote. And two of those times were just in the last 20 years. And with a new presidential election coming up, there’s lots of chatter about the value of the electoral college with critics asking is it time to get rid of the electoral college?
TEACHERS: Get your students in the discussion on KQED Learn, a safe place for middle and high school students to investigate controversial topics and share their voices. https://learn.kqed.org/discussions/45
ABOVE THE NOISE is a show that cuts through the hype and investigates the research behind controversial and trending topics in the news. Hosted by Myles Bess.
*NEW VIDEOS EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY*
SUBSCRIBE by clicking the RED BUTT...
published: 10 Oct 2019
8:09
The Electoral College, explained
Why some Americans’ votes count more than others.
Become a Vox member: https://www.vox.com/support-now
In the 2000 US presidential election, the Democratic ca...
Why some Americans’ votes count more than others.
Become a Vox member: https://www.vox.com/support-now
In the 2000 US presidential election, the Democratic candidate got half a million more votes than the Republican. The Democrat lost. Sixteen years later the same thing happened again. In the US, if you run for president, it does not actually matter how many people in the country vote for you. What matters instead is an arcane system for selecting America’s head of state called the Electoral College.
The Electoral College is the reason the US has something called “swing states,” and it’s the reason those places get to decide the future of the country. It’s the reason presidential candidates almost never campaign in the country’s biggest cities. And more recently, it’s also the reason that Republican candidates have been able to eke out victories in the presidential election without actually getting the most votes.
The Electoral College makes some Americans’ votes more powerful than others. In fact, that’s part of the reason we have it to begin with; in the country’s early years, the Electoral College helped give the votes of Southern Whites more weight than the votes of Northerners. The idea at its core, that certain votes simply matter more than others, is baked into the American tradition. In our elections, it decides the winner.
Further reading:
The historian Alexander Keyssar’s book “Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?” takes you through the history and function of the Electoral College: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674660151
For the bite-sized version of that history, Keyssar also wrote this piece in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/opinion/electoral-college-racism-white-supremacy.html
The Times also had a great interactive feature on where the 2020 candidates actually spent money: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/17/us/politics/trump-biden-campaign-ad-spending.html
Pew has a breakdown of how democracies around the world elect their head of state, which really shows what an oddball the US is: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/22/among-democracies-u-s-stands-out-in-how-it-chooses-its-head-of-state/
More on why today’s Electoral College gives Republican presidential candidates a structural advantage: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/9/17/20868790/republicans-lose-popular-vote-win-electoral-college
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com.
Watch our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/IZONyE
Follow Vox on Facebook: http://goo.gl/U2g06o
Or Twitter: http://goo.gl/XFrZ5H
https://wn.com/The_Electoral_College,_Explained
Why some Americans’ votes count more than others.
Become a Vox member: https://www.vox.com/support-now
In the 2000 US presidential election, the Democratic candidate got half a million more votes than the Republican. The Democrat lost. Sixteen years later the same thing happened again. In the US, if you run for president, it does not actually matter how many people in the country vote for you. What matters instead is an arcane system for selecting America’s head of state called the Electoral College.
The Electoral College is the reason the US has something called “swing states,” and it’s the reason those places get to decide the future of the country. It’s the reason presidential candidates almost never campaign in the country’s biggest cities. And more recently, it’s also the reason that Republican candidates have been able to eke out victories in the presidential election without actually getting the most votes.
The Electoral College makes some Americans’ votes more powerful than others. In fact, that’s part of the reason we have it to begin with; in the country’s early years, the Electoral College helped give the votes of Southern Whites more weight than the votes of Northerners. The idea at its core, that certain votes simply matter more than others, is baked into the American tradition. In our elections, it decides the winner.
Further reading:
The historian Alexander Keyssar’s book “Why Do We Still Have the Electoral College?” takes you through the history and function of the Electoral College: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/catalog.php?isbn=9780674660151
For the bite-sized version of that history, Keyssar also wrote this piece in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/03/opinion/electoral-college-racism-white-supremacy.html
The Times also had a great interactive feature on where the 2020 candidates actually spent money: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/17/us/politics/trump-biden-campaign-ad-spending.html
Pew has a breakdown of how democracies around the world elect their head of state, which really shows what an oddball the US is: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/11/22/among-democracies-u-s-stands-out-in-how-it-chooses-its-head-of-state/
More on why today’s Electoral College gives Republican presidential candidates a structural advantage: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2019/9/17/20868790/republicans-lose-popular-vote-win-electoral-college
Vox.com is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what's really driving the events in the headlines. Check out http://www.vox.com.
Watch our full video catalog: http://goo.gl/IZONyE
Follow Vox on Facebook: http://goo.gl/U2g06o
Or Twitter: http://goo.gl/XFrZ5H
- published: 31 Oct 2020
- views: 7986825
3:42
US election: What is the electoral college and how does it work?
The most popular US presidential candidate could end up losing the election. Here is why.
READ MORE : https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/27/us-election-what-is-...
The most popular US presidential candidate could end up losing the election. Here is why.
READ MORE : https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/27/us-election-what-is-the-electoral-college-and-how-does-it-work
Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/euronews?sub_confirmation=1
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https://wn.com/US_Election_What_Is_The_Electoral_College_And_How_Does_It_Work
The most popular US presidential candidate could end up losing the election. Here is why.
READ MORE : https://www.euronews.com/2020/10/27/us-election-what-is-the-electoral-college-and-how-does-it-work
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- published: 27 Oct 2020
- views: 84953
5:22
Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained - Christina Greer
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the-electoral-college-explained-christina-greer
You vote, but then what? Discover how your ind...
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the-electoral-college-explained-christina-greer
You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state's electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels.
Lesson by Christina Greer, animation by Marked Animation.
https://wn.com/Does_Your_Vote_Count_The_Electoral_College_Explained_Christina_Greer
View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/does-your-vote-count-the-electoral-college-explained-christina-greer
You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state's electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels.
Lesson by Christina Greer, animation by Marked Animation.
- published: 01 Nov 2012
- views: 8293802
4:15
The US electoral system explained
We break down how the US electoral system works. #USElection #Election2020 #US
2020 Presidential Race 🇺🇸
👉 http://trt.world/Race2020
We break down how the US electoral system works. #USElection #Election2020 #US
2020 Presidential Race 🇺🇸
👉 http://trt.world/Race2020
https://wn.com/The_US_Electoral_System_Explained
We break down how the US electoral system works. #USElection #Election2020 #US
2020 Presidential Race 🇺🇸
👉 http://trt.world/Race2020
- published: 01 Nov 2020
- views: 127937
2:50
How the US election works - BBC News
The president of the United States isn’t directly elected by American voters but by members of what's known as the electoral college. Here’s how the system work...
The president of the United States isn’t directly elected by American voters but by members of what's known as the electoral college. Here’s how the system works.
Motion graphics by Jacqueline Galvin. Produced by Jake Horton and Sarah Glatte.
Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
https://wn.com/How_The_US_Election_Works_BBC_News
The president of the United States isn’t directly elected by American voters but by members of what's known as the electoral college. Here’s how the system works.
Motion graphics by Jacqueline Galvin. Produced by Jake Horton and Sarah Glatte.
Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog
- published: 14 Sep 2020
- views: 876677
5:21
US Presidential Election explained (explainity® explainer video)
Every 4 years the United States of America is electing a new president. The process itself is rather long and very old - even outdated - wich makes the whole u...
Every 4 years the United States of America is electing a new president. The process itself is rather long and very old - even outdated - wich makes the whole undertaking somewhat complicated. In this video, we are trying to break it down for you anyway.
Script download: www.explainity.com/education-project/transskripte/
-------
This explainer video was produced by explainity GmbH
Homepage: www.explainity.com
E-Mail:
[email protected]
This explanatory film was produced and published for private, non-commercial use and may be used free of charge in this context for private purposes without consultation or written authorization. Please note, however, that neither the content nor the graphics of this explanatory film may be altered in any way. Please always give explainity as the source when using the film, and if you publish it on the internet, provide a reference to www.explainity.com.
For commercial use or use for training purposes, such as projection of the film at training events (e.g. projection of the film as a teaching aid in school or in adult education), a licence is required. Further information on this subject will be found here: https://www.explainity.com/education-project
https://wn.com/US_Presidential_Election_Explained_(Explainity®_Explainer_Video)
Every 4 years the United States of America is electing a new president. The process itself is rather long and very old - even outdated - wich makes the whole undertaking somewhat complicated. In this video, we are trying to break it down for you anyway.
Script download: www.explainity.com/education-project/transskripte/
-------
This explainer video was produced by explainity GmbH
Homepage: www.explainity.com
E-Mail:
[email protected]
This explanatory film was produced and published for private, non-commercial use and may be used free of charge in this context for private purposes without consultation or written authorization. Please note, however, that neither the content nor the graphics of this explanatory film may be altered in any way. Please always give explainity as the source when using the film, and if you publish it on the internet, provide a reference to www.explainity.com.
For commercial use or use for training purposes, such as projection of the film at training events (e.g. projection of the film as a teaching aid in school or in adult education), a licence is required. Further information on this subject will be found here: https://www.explainity.com/education-project
- published: 28 Aug 2020
- views: 611158
6:23
Why the Electoral College Exists | Nat Geo Explores
Every four years, people head to the polls to vote for the next President of the United States. However, the popular vote doesn't directly elect any candidate. ...
Every four years, people head to the polls to vote for the next President of the United States. However, the popular vote doesn't directly elect any candidate. Instead, citizens are voting for a slate of electors, who have promised to cast their states' votes after the election. Today, the Electoral College system is very controversial, leading many people to ask: why does it exist at all? That answer lies in the history of the Constitution and how its creators originally believed America's brand-new government should run and how its leader should be elected. As it turns out, the Electoral College was just as contentious in 1787 as it is today.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
➡ Watch all clips of Nat Geo Explores here: https://bit.ly/NGExplores
About Nat Geo Explores:
From National Geographic Media, Nat Geo Explores breaks down the worlds of Science, History, and Animals. In each episode, scientists and historians explain in fascinating detail everything from the connection between germs and diseases to how anxiety impacts our brains.
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
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Read more in "Here’s why the Electoral College exists—and how it could be reformed"
https://on.natgeo.com/2T0lCyf
Why the Electoral College Exists | Nat Geo Explores
https://youtu.be/Q1zmbVcMiEM
National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/natgeo
https://wn.com/Why_The_Electoral_College_Exists_|_Nat_Geo_Explores
Every four years, people head to the polls to vote for the next President of the United States. However, the popular vote doesn't directly elect any candidate. Instead, citizens are voting for a slate of electors, who have promised to cast their states' votes after the election. Today, the Electoral College system is very controversial, leading many people to ask: why does it exist at all? That answer lies in the history of the Constitution and how its creators originally believed America's brand-new government should run and how its leader should be elected. As it turns out, the Electoral College was just as contentious in 1787 as it is today.
➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe
➡ Watch all clips of Nat Geo Explores here: https://bit.ly/NGExplores
About Nat Geo Explores:
From National Geographic Media, Nat Geo Explores breaks down the worlds of Science, History, and Animals. In each episode, scientists and historians explain in fascinating detail everything from the connection between germs and diseases to how anxiety impacts our brains.
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is the world's premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what's possible.
Get More National Geographic:
Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeo
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Read more in "Here’s why the Electoral College exists—and how it could be reformed"
https://on.natgeo.com/2T0lCyf
Why the Electoral College Exists | Nat Geo Explores
https://youtu.be/Q1zmbVcMiEM
National Geographic
https://www.youtube.com/natgeo
- published: 21 Oct 2020
- views: 196569
10:55
This is why we still have the Electoral College
The Electoral College is the system by which Americans elect their president every four years. When American voters go to the polls for a presidential election,...
The Electoral College is the system by which Americans elect their president every four years. When American voters go to the polls for a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors who have pledged to support a specific candidate. These electors cast their own votes, and the winner is elected to the presidency.
Two hundred years ago, the Framers incorporated the Electoral College into the United States Constitution, and to this day it remains one of the most controversial aspects of that document. But despite numerous attempts to reform or even abolish it, the Electoral College remains the mechanism by which Americans choose their president every four years. So why is it still around?
Alex Keyssar, Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, explores this subject in his latest book, "Why Do We Still Have The Electoral College?" The answer is not as straight forward as one might think, and in this video Professor Keyssar discusses the myriad reasons that we still follow with what he calls, "a process that does not conform to democratic principles the nation has publicly championed."
Behind the Book is a collaboration between the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and Library and Knowledge Services at Harvard Kennedy School. You can find past episodes of the series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLYSLEw1Axd-iOf6gtpsTeh0RNHS7pChf
For more about Harvard Kennedy School, visit hks.harvard.edu.
Facebook: facebook.com/harvardkennedyschool/
Twitter: twitter.com/Kennedy_School
Linkedin: linkedin.com/school/harvard-kennedy-school-of-government/
Instagram: instagram.com/harvardkennedyschool/
----------------------
About Harvard Kennedy School:
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a graduate and professional school that brings together students, scholars, and practitioners who combine thought and action to make the world a better place.
Our mission is to improve public policy and public leadership across the United States and around the world so that people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. Harvard Kennedy School teaches current and future leaders the skills they need to effectively advance the public purpose in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Our renowned faculty and trailblazing research centers pioneer bold new ideas. And as the most international school at Harvard, we convene global leaders in the Forum, host visiting experts in the classroom, and attract a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff.
https://wn.com/This_Is_Why_We_Still_Have_The_Electoral_College
The Electoral College is the system by which Americans elect their president every four years. When American voters go to the polls for a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors who have pledged to support a specific candidate. These electors cast their own votes, and the winner is elected to the presidency.
Two hundred years ago, the Framers incorporated the Electoral College into the United States Constitution, and to this day it remains one of the most controversial aspects of that document. But despite numerous attempts to reform or even abolish it, the Electoral College remains the mechanism by which Americans choose their president every four years. So why is it still around?
Alex Keyssar, Matthew W. Stirling, Jr. Professor of History and Social Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, explores this subject in his latest book, "Why Do We Still Have The Electoral College?" The answer is not as straight forward as one might think, and in this video Professor Keyssar discusses the myriad reasons that we still follow with what he calls, "a process that does not conform to democratic principles the nation has publicly championed."
Behind the Book is a collaboration between the Office of Communications and Public Affairs and Library and Knowledge Services at Harvard Kennedy School. You can find past episodes of the series here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLYSLEw1Axd-iOf6gtpsTeh0RNHS7pChf
For more about Harvard Kennedy School, visit hks.harvard.edu.
Facebook: facebook.com/harvardkennedyschool/
Twitter: twitter.com/Kennedy_School
Linkedin: linkedin.com/school/harvard-kennedy-school-of-government/
Instagram: instagram.com/harvardkennedyschool/
----------------------
About Harvard Kennedy School:
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is a graduate and professional school that brings together students, scholars, and practitioners who combine thought and action to make the world a better place.
Our mission is to improve public policy and public leadership across the United States and around the world so that people can lead safer, freer, and more prosperous lives. Harvard Kennedy School teaches current and future leaders the skills they need to effectively advance the public purpose in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Our renowned faculty and trailblazing research centers pioneer bold new ideas. And as the most international school at Harvard, we convene global leaders in the Forum, host visiting experts in the classroom, and attract a diverse community of faculty, students, and staff.
- published: 10 Sep 2020
- views: 349253
9:20
Is The Electoral College Killing the Democratic Process?
There’s been 5 times in U.S. history where the guy who became president lost the popular vote, but won the electoral vote. And two of those times were just in t...
There’s been 5 times in U.S. history where the guy who became president lost the popular vote, but won the electoral vote. And two of those times were just in the last 20 years. And with a new presidential election coming up, there’s lots of chatter about the value of the electoral college with critics asking is it time to get rid of the electoral college?
TEACHERS: Get your students in the discussion on KQED Learn, a safe place for middle and high school students to investigate controversial topics and share their voices. https://learn.kqed.org/discussions/45
ABOVE THE NOISE is a show that cuts through the hype and investigates the research behind controversial and trending topics in the news. Hosted by Myles Bess.
*NEW VIDEOS EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY*
SUBSCRIBE by clicking the RED BUTTON above.
Follow us on Instagram @kqedabovethenoise
**What is the electoral college?**
The electoral college is the process for how we vote for our president here in America. When you go and cast your vote, you’re not really voting for the president, you’re actually voting for electors, who then go and vote for the president. There are a total of 538 electors. Each state (and DC) gets at least 3, and then the rest are based on the states population size -- determined every 10 years by the US census. In most states, it’s winner takes all. This means that the party that wins the state’s popular vote sends all of their electors to cast votes to elect the president. But there are two states-- Nebraska and Maine-- who divide up their electoral votes based on who won the popular vote in each congressional district.
** Why does America have an electoral college?**
Back in 1787, the founding fathers met in Philadelphia at the constitutional convention to figure out the major laws for how the U.S. government was going to run. And out of that came the constitution. One of the most hotly contested topics was how we elect our president. On the one hand you had the Federalists who thought congress should elect the president, and on the other you had those who thought the president should be elected by popular vote. But both were a little problematic. If Congress elected the president then congress would have way too much power and things could get corrupt real fast. But if it was left up to purely popular vote, there was a fear about what would happen-- considering there was a lot of people that couldn’t read or write and were uneducated. So the electoral college was their big compromise.
**Arguments for getting rid of the electoral college**
Many critics argue that the electoral college is outdated and doesn’t accurately represent the voice of the people. It’s the reason why people say votes in more populated states count less. People also argue that the electoral college gives way too much power to people who live in swing states, and that the electoral college makes it harder for third party candidates to win a presidential election.
SELECTED SOURCES:
What is the electoral college? (National Archives and Records Administration)
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html
Why was the electoral college created? (History.com)
https://www.history.com/news/electoral-college-founding-fathers-constitutional-convention
The Electoral College Top 3 Pro and Cons (ProCon.org)
https://www.procon.org/headline.php?headlineID=005330
Opinion: Getting Rid of the Electoral College Isn’t Just About Trump (New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/21/opinion/electoral-college-warren-trump.html?module=inline
Opinion: A Case for the Electoral College (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/23/opinion/electoral-college.html?module=inline
America Isn’t Really Set Up For Third-Party Presidential Bids (FiveThirtyEight) https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/america-isnt-really-set-up-for-third-party-presidential-bids/
If Electoral Votes Were Weighted by State Population Alone: Trump 303, Clinton 235 (270towin)
https://www.270towin.com/news/2017/01/24/if-electoral-votes-were-weighted-by-state-population-alone-trump-303-clinton-235_442.html#.XZudTudKgUF
Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote (National Popular Vote)
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/written-explanation
Fuzzy Math: Wrong Way Reforms for Allocating Electoral Votes (FairVote) https://www.fairvote.org/fuzzy-math
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https://wn.com/Is_The_Electoral_College_Killing_The_Democratic_Process
There’s been 5 times in U.S. history where the guy who became president lost the popular vote, but won the electoral vote. And two of those times were just in the last 20 years. And with a new presidential election coming up, there’s lots of chatter about the value of the electoral college with critics asking is it time to get rid of the electoral college?
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**What is the electoral college?**
The electoral college is the process for how we vote for our president here in America. When you go and cast your vote, you’re not really voting for the president, you’re actually voting for electors, who then go and vote for the president. There are a total of 538 electors. Each state (and DC) gets at least 3, and then the rest are based on the states population size -- determined every 10 years by the US census. In most states, it’s winner takes all. This means that the party that wins the state’s popular vote sends all of their electors to cast votes to elect the president. But there are two states-- Nebraska and Maine-- who divide up their electoral votes based on who won the popular vote in each congressional district.
** Why does America have an electoral college?**
Back in 1787, the founding fathers met in Philadelphia at the constitutional convention to figure out the major laws for how the U.S. government was going to run. And out of that came the constitution. One of the most hotly contested topics was how we elect our president. On the one hand you had the Federalists who thought congress should elect the president, and on the other you had those who thought the president should be elected by popular vote. But both were a little problematic. If Congress elected the president then congress would have way too much power and things could get corrupt real fast. But if it was left up to purely popular vote, there was a fear about what would happen-- considering there was a lot of people that couldn’t read or write and were uneducated. So the electoral college was their big compromise.
**Arguments for getting rid of the electoral college**
Many critics argue that the electoral college is outdated and doesn’t accurately represent the voice of the people. It’s the reason why people say votes in more populated states count less. People also argue that the electoral college gives way too much power to people who live in swing states, and that the electoral college makes it harder for third party candidates to win a presidential election.
SELECTED SOURCES:
What is the electoral college? (National Archives and Records Administration)
https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html
Why was the electoral college created? (History.com)
https://www.history.com/news/electoral-college-founding-fathers-constitutional-convention
The Electoral College Top 3 Pro and Cons (ProCon.org)
https://www.procon.org/headline.php?headlineID=005330
Opinion: Getting Rid of the Electoral College Isn’t Just About Trump (New York Times) https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/21/opinion/electoral-college-warren-trump.html?module=inline
Opinion: A Case for the Electoral College (New York Times)
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/23/opinion/electoral-college.html?module=inline
America Isn’t Really Set Up For Third-Party Presidential Bids (FiveThirtyEight) https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/america-isnt-really-set-up-for-third-party-presidential-bids/
If Electoral Votes Were Weighted by State Population Alone: Trump 303, Clinton 235 (270towin)
https://www.270towin.com/news/2017/01/24/if-electoral-votes-were-weighted-by-state-population-alone-trump-303-clinton-235_442.html#.XZudTudKgUF
Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote (National Popular Vote)
https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/written-explanation
Fuzzy Math: Wrong Way Reforms for Allocating Electoral Votes (FairVote) https://www.fairvote.org/fuzzy-math
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About KQED
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- published: 10 Oct 2019
- views: 253862