The Executive Branch #3The Electoral College

The Electoral College

• Elects Pres & VP • Indirect election created by Framers

How does it work?How does it work?

• Each state has electoral votes = # of Congress members – CA: 2 S + 53 HR = 55 Electoral Votes

–WY: 2 S + 1 HR = 3 Electoral Votes • 23rd Amendment: Washington DC given

3 electoral votes

• Total = 538 Electoral Votes

Each State’s Electoral Votes If you are running for president which states will

you focus your campaign on?

To Win!To Win!• 270 (majority) is required to win the

presidency • If no one reaches 270 or there is a tie:–HR members pick the pres–Each state in HR is given 1 vote

– http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/– http://www.270towin.com/states/California

Winner Takes All• In most states the winner of the popular vote

receives all of that states electoral votes • In Colorado– 54% Obama– 45% McCain – Winner, Obama, takes all 9 EV

• In Florida in 2000– Bush has a few hundred more popular votes than

Gore, wins all the electoral votes & election

Why do we have it?• Tradition • Medium size states love it! –Ohio, Pennsylvania and other medium

sized, competitive states become all important in the general election – swing states or battleground states–Spreads out candidate’s attention–To amend the Const need 3/4 of states to

agree

More reasons to keep the EC

• Usually it works! The winner of the popular vote generally wins the electoral college

Let’s get rid of it!

• Popular vote winner is not always the electoral college winner–Not in 2000–Last time it “failed” was in the late

1800s

More reasons to end the EC• Large states are ignored in general

election•CA, TX, NY are virtually ignored –

why? • More confusing than direct elections• Faithless Elector• HR could decide election

Should we amend the Constitution to remove the Electoral College and

replace it with direct elections?

Thesis Checklist:

√ Tells the reader the specific topic of the essay√ Explains the argument of the essay√ Suggest the organization of the paper√ Does not begin with “This thesis states” or “In

my opinion” (never use 1st person!)

More Thesis Tips!• When you make a (subjective) judgment call,

specify and justify your reasoning.• Original: Socialism is the best form of

government for Kenya. – WHY? WHY? WHY?

• Revised: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient.– OH! That’s why!

Thesis = topic + opinion + reasoning

Due at the end of the period!

Silent Debate!• Explain 2 reasons for your assigned position• Trade papers• Respond / debate with the arguments