Post on 24-Jan-2016
description
The U.S. Electoral College
Objectives
AP US History students will:
1) list the primary reasons that the Electoral College was created
2) list the drawbacks of the Electoral College
3) Discuss, in a knowledgeable manner, whether the Electoral College is
still needed to elect the President
What do the following four men all have in common?
A. Andrew Jackson
B. Samuel Tilden
C. Grover Cleveland
D. Al Gore
The Answer
They all won the popular vote in a Presidential election but did not become President.
1824Popular Vote
Andrew Jackson 43%John Q. Adams 30.5%
Electoral VoteJackson 99 votes
Adams 84 votes* Adams elected by House of
Representatives when Jackson did not receive a majority of the Electoral votes
1876
Popular Vote
Samuel Tilden 51%
R. B. Hayes 48%
Electoral College
Tilden 184
Hayes 185
Winner: Hayes
1888
Popular Vote
Grover Cleveland 48.5 %
Benjamin Harrison 47.8 %
Electoral College
Cleveland 168
Harrison 233
Winner: Harrison
2000
Popular Vote
Al Gore 48.7%
George W. Bush 48.5%
Electoral College
Gore 266
Bush 271
Winner: Bush
Why?President is NOT elected by direct ballot
Each state selects electors to vote
Electors are determined by state rep. in Congress
Example:- ME: 2 Reps, 2 Senators = 4 Votes
Why was it Created?
People not knowledgeable enough to choose PresidentPoor interstate communicationsCheck to give States a voice in Pres. electionMaintain regional balance
What are the drawbacks to the Electoral College?
Encourages low voter turnout
Diminishes third party influence
Person with most popular votes may not win
Leads to tactical voting
If no majority, House determines winnerLoss of Separation of PowerLoss of State checks
Why low voter turnout?
Winner take all system
Exceptions: ME , NE
If you win 50.1%, you get all electoral votes
People do not feel their vote counts
Third Parties
Encourages national appeal
Discourages regional appeal
Need a broad, national platform
Financial impacts
Tactical Voting
Voters look to candidates polls in states
“Lesser of two evils”
Vote against a candidate, not for one
Will not vote 3rd party
2 major parties able to maintain control
Map Activity
Unit Evaluation
Online activities
Wiki Post
2 page position paper (due Friday)
WebsitesWhat is Your Electoral College I.Q.?
http://www.RichardWarrenField.com/elct-tst.html In Defense of the Electoral College
http://www.cato.org/dailys/11-10-00html Electoral College Reform Options
http://gning.net/electoral.html
The Electoral College Inhibits Democracyhttp://www.electionreform.org/ERMain/editorials/ec.html How the Electoral College Works and Why it Works Well
http://www.cato.org/dailys/11-13-00.html