what was the electoral college compromise quizlet

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05-11-2024

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The Electoral College: A Compromise with Lasting Consequences

The Electoral College, a unique feature of the American political system, has been a subject of debate since its inception. But why does the U.S. elect its President this way? The answer lies in a compromise made by the Founding Fathers during the drafting of the Constitution.

Question: What was the main compromise made during the creation of the Electoral College?

Answer: The Electoral College was a compromise between those who wanted direct popular election of the President and those who favored the selection of the President by Congress. (Source: American Government: Continuity and Change by J. W. Patterson)

Digging Deeper into the Compromise:

• The "Big State" vs. "Small State" Debate: The debate over the Electoral College was intertwined with the larger debate about representation in Congress. States with larger populations (like Virginia) wanted more power, while smaller states (like Rhode Island) sought to maintain their influence.
• Popular Vote vs. Congressional Selection: Some delegates felt that the people should directly elect the President through a popular vote. Others argued that Congress, as the representative body of the people, should have the power to select the President.

The Solution: A Hybrid System

The Electoral College emerged as a compromise between these two factions. It created a system where:

• Each state receives a number of electors equal to the total number of its senators and representatives in Congress. This ensured that states with larger populations had more electoral votes, reflecting their greater weight in the national government.
• Electors are chosen by each state, initially by state legislatures, and later by popular vote. This provided a balance between popular participation and legislative control.

Understanding the Implications

While the Electoral College ensured the passage of the Constitution, its impact has been debated for centuries.

Pros:

• Representation for smaller states: The system ensures that smaller states have a voice in the presidential election, as they receive electoral votes even with a smaller population.
• Focus on national appeal: The Electoral College incentivizes candidates to campaign across the country, not just in densely populated areas.

Cons:

• Winner-take-all system: The Electoral College's "winner-take-all" structure in most states can lead to situations where a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the presidency.
• Distortion of the popular will: The potential to win the presidency without winning the popular vote can be seen as a democratic deficit.

Looking Ahead:

The Electoral College remains a complex and contentious issue. Ongoing debates about its fairness and its influence on political strategy continue to shape the American political landscape.

Added Value: The Electoral College and the 2016 Election

The 2016 presidential election vividly illustrated the potential impact of the Electoral College. Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, but Donald Trump secured the presidency by winning the Electoral College. This outcome sparked renewed calls for reform or even abolition of the Electoral College.

Further Exploration:

• Research the history of attempts to reform or abolish the Electoral College.
• Analyze the arguments for and against the Electoral College, considering both its historical context and its contemporary implications.
• Discuss whether the Electoral College reflects the will of the people and whether it should be retained in its current form.