a short history of the electoral college. a state gets one elector for each: representative it has...
TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
A Short History of the Electoral College
![Page 2: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
A State GetsOne Elector For Each:
Representative it has in the House of Representatives
and Senator (2 per state) it has in
the U.S. Senate.
![Page 3: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Two Electoral Votes for Your Two U.S. Senators
Plus
One Electoral Vote For Each of Your U.S. Representatives
![Page 4: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Two U.S. Senators = 2Fifty three US Representatives = 53Total California E.V. = 55
![Page 5: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Two U.S. Senators = 2 Eleven U.S. Representatives = 11
Total Va. Electoral Votes = 13
![Page 6: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Two U.S. Senators = 2One U.S. Representative = 1Total Wyoming E.V. = 3
![Page 7: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
In 1961, even though it wasn’t a state, the 23rd Amendment gave Washington, D.C. Electoral Votes equal to the smallest (by population)
state.
Now there were 538 total Electoral Votes. All 50 states = 535 Electoral VotesWashington, DC = 3 Electoral Votes
Total = 538 Electoral Votes
![Page 8: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Democrat Electors 1. Joe Jones2. Betsy Smith3. John Doe4. Sally Green5. Michael Moore6. Dan Rather7. Mary Wills8. Tyrone Smith9. Ivana Trump10. Dewey Dontwe11. Linda Robb12. Bob Washington13. James Carville
Republican Electors 1. Terry Hart2. Nancy Bayer3. Ernie Davis4. Matt Schaub5. Debbie Jones6. Linda Tripp7. Lee Atwater8. Jim Owens9. Bill Fraser10. Jim Baker11. Rush Limbaugh12. Wilma Knowles13. Mary Matlin
Winner Take AllIn modern times each Political Party
picks a number of Electors to represent it in
each state.In Virginia, the Democrats pick 13 Electors and the Republicans pick 13 Electors etc.
![Page 9: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Virginia Election Day Results• 1,512,012 Votes
(Popular Votes)
• 1,822,030 Votes
(Popular Votes)
Democrat Electors 1. Joe Jones2. Betsy Smith3. John Doe4. Sally Green5. Michael Moore6. Dan Rather7. Mary Wills8. Tyrone Smith9. Ivana Trump10. Dewey Dontwe11. Linda Robb12. Bob Washington13. James Carville
Republican Electors 1. Terry Hart2. Nancy Bayer3. Ernie Davis4. Matt Schaub5. Debbie Jones6. Linda Tripp7. Lee Atwater8. Jim Owens9. Bill Fraser10. Jim Baker11. Rush Limbaugh12. Wilma Knowles13. Mary Matlin
![Page 10: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Virginia Election Day Results• 1,512,012 Votes
(Popular Votes)
• 1,822,030 Votes
(Popular Votes)
Democrat Electors 1. Joe Jones2. Betsy Smith3. John Doe4. Sally Green5. Michael Moore6. Dan Rather7. Mary Wills8. Tyrone Smith9. Ivana Trump10. Dewey Dontwe11. Linda Robb12. Bob Washington13. James Carville
Republican Electors 1. Terry Hart2. Nancy Bayer3. Ernie Davis4. Matt Schaub5. Debbie Jones6. Linda Tripp7. Lee Atwater8. Jim Owens9. Bill Fraser10. Jim Baker11. Rush Limbaugh12. Wilma Knowles13. Mary Matlin
![Page 11: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
13
GOP Slate Has More Popular Votes
On Election Day the voters picked the GOP slate
Those 13 GOP Electors will represent Virginia in the
Electoral College
Republican Electors
1. Terry Hart 2. Nancy Bayer
3. Ernie Davis 4. Matt Schaub
5. Debbie Jones6. Linda Tripp
7. Lee Atwater8. Jim Owens 9. Bill Fraser10. Jim Baker
11. Rush Limbaugh 12. Wilma Knowles
13. Mary Matlin
![Page 12: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
3 Electors
On the first Monday after the second Wednesday in December
the Electors meet in their state capitols to vote.
55 Electors
![Page 13: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13 Electors
The Electoral ballots are then sent to Washington,
D.C. to be counted on January 6 by the President
of the Senate (The Vice President of the U.S.)
Virginia’s 13 Electors Go To State Capitol in Richmond in Mid-December to Vote
![Page 14: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
To be elected President a candidate must receive electoral
votes equal to a majority of the all the electors.
538 Total ElectorsX 50% + 1
____________________270 Electoral Votes
![Page 15: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
House of Representativ
es
•If no candidate receives 270 or more Electoral Votes, the election goes to the House of Representatives.
•The House will try to select a winner from the top 3 candidates who received Electoral Votes for President in the Electoral College (Amendment 12).
•Each state will get one vote regardless of how many U.S. Representatives it has in the House.
![Page 16: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Vermont has a population of about 615,000 people.
Vermont has 1 (one) U.S. Representative in the House of Representatives.
Vermont will get 1 (one) vote for President in the back-up system.
That one U.S. Representative will cast one vote in the back-up system.
The Back-up System
![Page 17: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
California has a population of about 36,000,000 people.
It has 53 U.S. Representatives in the House of Representatives. California will get 1 (one) vote for President in the back-up system.
Those 53 Representatives will have to reach an agreement (Majority vote) on who gets that one vote.
The Back-up System
![Page 18: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
The Back-up System
•Virginia has a population of about 7,200,000 people.
•It has 11 U.S. Representatives in the House of Representatives.
•Virginia will get 1 (one) vote for President in the back-up system.
•Those 11 Representatives will have to reach an agreement (Majority vote) on who gets that one vote.
![Page 19: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
The Back-up System
The House of Representatives has only had to serve as a “back-up system” for the Electoral College two times in our history.
1800 =
1824 =
![Page 20: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
It gives small (in population) states more weight than a strictly proportional system would.
Would whole regions of U.S. feel ignored with straight-up popular vote?
Why some like the present system.
![Page 21: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
The “Winner take-all” feature tends to make voters pick one of the two major parties.
Countries with many parties sometimes have trouble picking a winner and holding the government together.
Why some like the present system.
Italy
France
![Page 22: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
•Some argue that the “winner-take-all” format gives minority groups needed power to be heard.
• They point out that if they vote as a bloc theycan deliver a whole state and thus get politicalthe attention of the powerful.
African- Americans = About 10% of U.S. populationIllinois (21) + N.Y. (31) = 19% of Electoral Votes needed to win
Why some like the present system.
![Page 23: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Why some like the present system. The “Winner take-all” feature tends to make voter fraud less attractive.Someone would have to steal enough votes to win a state to have an impact.
Voter fraud in one state is limited to that state.
![Page 24: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Criticism of the present system:Discourages voters from voting for candidatesother than those representing the two major parties because (with the exception of Maine and Nebraska) you must win the whole state to have an effect on the Electoral Vote.
![Page 25: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Criticism of the present system:It even discourages voters from the two major parties from voting in states where their party is vastly outnumbered. (Again, Maine and Nebraska are exceptions.)
Dems. =
Democrats in Utah
![Page 26: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Criticism of the present system:
• It violates “one man, one vote” democratic principles.
• An elector in Wyoming represents about 164,000 residents of Wyoming.
• An elector in North Dakota represents about 214,000 residents of North Dakota.
• An elector in California represents about 660,000 residents of California.
![Page 27: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Criticism of the present system:
• Jewish – Americans = less than 3% of US population
• NY (31) + Fla. (27) = 21% of Electoral Votes needed to win
•Some critics argue that the “winner-take-all” formatgives relatively small groups too much power.
•They point out that if they vote as a bloc they can deliver a whole state and thus get too many political favors.
![Page 28: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Direct Popular Vote
Direct popular vote.
Plurality winner President if over 40%
Run-off top two if no-one has 40% or better
![Page 29: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Increase interest in partisan states
Essence of democracy
Break monopoly of two major parties
Reduce power of blocs and swing states
Support for Direct Popular Vote Plan
![Page 30: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Criticism of Direct Popular Vote Plan
Increased incentive for fraud
Reduces influence of small states/groups
Encourages third parties to cause more run-offs
Amendment that is required won’t pass
![Page 31: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
National Bonus Plan
+102 Bonus points
Keep Electoral votes per formula but do away with electors
Add 102 “Bonus” Electoral points for the winner of the popular vote
![Page 32: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Retains much of what we have for parties, states, small groups.
Increases interest in partisan states
Less chance of fraud
No “Faithless Electors”
Almost guarantees popular vote winner will win
Support for National Bonus Plan
![Page 33: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Maine and Nebraska’sDistrict plus At Large Plan
District 1
District 2
District 3
Each district votes for 1 Elector for the Districtand
for 2 Electors for the whole state.
![Page 34: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
The Electoral College
The End
![Page 35: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
How many total Electoral Votes are there?
• A. 435
• B. 535
• C. 438
• D. 538
![Page 36: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
What is the smallest number of Electoral votes a state can have?
• F. 1
• G. 2
• H. 3
• J. None of these
![Page 37: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Most states use what plan for giving out their Electoral Votes?
• A. Winner-Take All Plan
• B. National Bonus Plan
• C. The Maine/Nebraska Plan
• D. The Proportional Plan
![Page 38: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Who picks the Electors who will cast the state’s Electoral Votes?
• F. The Governor of the state
• G. The State Senate
• H. The voters of the state
• J. The state Supreme Court
![Page 39: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
A state’s Electoral Vote total is based on:
• A. Its population
• B. Its Congressional representation
• C. The number of registered voters
• D. The number who voted in the last election
![Page 40: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Who is favored by requiring the winner to have a majority of Electoral Votes?
• F. The Democrats
• G. The Republicans
• H. Independents or Third Parties
• J. The two major parties
![Page 41: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Which state currently has the most Electoral Votes?
• A. California
• B. New York
• C. Florida
• D. Texas
![Page 42: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Which two states use a “District Plus At Large ” plan
• F. Florida and Texas
• G. Maine and Nebraska
• H. Wyoming and Illinois
• J. New York and Florida
![Page 43: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Which is not true of a direct popular vote?
• A. It would require a Constitutional Amendment
• B. It is undemocratic
• C. It might encourage more fraud
• D. It probably will encourage third parties
![Page 44: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
Who serves as a “back-up” to the Electoral College?
• F. The Supreme Court
• G. The House of Representatives
• H. The Cabinet
• J. The Joint Chiefs of Staff
![Page 45: A Short History of the Electoral College. A State Gets One Elector For Each: Representative it has in the House of Representatives and Senator (2 per](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022062421/56649cf65503460f949c602f/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Electoral College
Really the end!