The Electoral College What is it? Todays Objective After todays lesson, students will be able to Analyze the Electoral College, as well as proposed alternatives, and consider which is the most effective and
efficient way to elect our nations leader. Essential Skill Examine information from more than one point of view Election Timeline January Primaries Elections start
1. What is the first state to hold a caucus? 2. What is Super Tuesday? 3. What is the difference between a closed and open primary?
4. Are caucuses or primaries used more often? 5. What is a benefit to the caucus system? June July and end
DNC/RNC Elections in 50 states that award delegates to the convention
November The General Election Elections in 50 states that award electoral votes in the electoral
college 6. When does the General Election occur in November? 7. Who picks the candidates at the conventions? 8. What is the purpose
of the convention? The Electoral College The Idea Behind the Electoral College The Process of the Electoral College How to Win the Presidency The Idea Behind the Electoral
College Goal The Founders sought to protect the Presidential election from manipulation, to preserve states rights and to put a check on the peoples choice for President Solution
they created a two-step presidential election process so that the President is not directly elected by the people The Process of the Electoral College How to Win the Presidency
350 300 250 200 Electoral Votes 150 100
50 0 Jane Bob Lucy
How many electoral votes is a state guaranteed? 2012 Electoral College Results in the Presidential Election
States visited by Kerry and Bush in final 5 weeks of 2004 Election $$$ spent by Kerry and Bush in final 5 weeks of 2004 Election Quick Review What is the main difference between most elections and presidential elections?
Who created the electoral college and why? How many electoral votes does it take to win the Presidency? How is the number of electoral votes per state determined?
How might the number of electoral votes a state Which Option is Best? Electoral College Direct Election Proportional Plan District Vote National Popular Vote
Fishbowl Debate Read your assigned plan and take notes/highlight important arguments In debate, introduce the proposed alternatives to the Electoral College and then debate over which of the methods would be the best for our country
Those observing take notes on the discussion Format Direct Election & Proportional Election (10 minutes) District Plan & National Popular Vote (10
minutes) Due to Winner Takes All 1. Candidates focus on large, competitive (swing) states while ignoring other states 2. Discourages third parties 3. Candidate may win presidency but lose popular
votes (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000) Other Downsides to Electoral College 4. Possibility of faithless electors 5. Voter Turnout wasted vote in safe states 6. Votes of all citizens do not count equally NOT one person one vote
Modest boost to smaller states: Overrepresented 1 Wyoming Elector = 165,101 votes; 1 California Elector = 617,000 votes So Why Do We Have It!? 1. It was in the Constitution Would need a Constitutional Amendment to overturn 2. Helps to focus electoral problems
Imagine a nationwide recount 3. Gives legitimacy to the winner Woodrow Wilson won 41.8% of vote (81.9% Electoral College) 4. Ensures Federalism Candidates must develop diverse and inclusive platforms
Reflection Write a reflection explaining why you voted for the plan you did. Be sure to fully explain your thoughts! The 2000 Presidential Election 2,883,105 votes
50,999,897 votes 50,456,002 votes 537 VOTES A felon list was distributed in Florida
and some were wrongly denied the right to vote b/c of their name Should ex-felons be allowed to vote? What problems exist in our democracy in regards to political participation (voting & elections)? How would you
solve the problem?
