The Electoral College Quiz

What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College?

• To directly elect the President and Vice President

• To provide a check on the popular vote

• To elect members of Congress

• To elect state governors

How many electoral votes are needed to win the U.S. presidency?

• 270

• 300

• 538

• 435

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution restructured the Electoral College?

• 12th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

• 19th Amendment

• 22nd Amendment

How are the number of electoral votes per state determined?

• Based on the state’s population

• Each state gets an equal number of votes

• Based on the number of Congressional representatives

• Based on the state’s land area

What happens if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes?

• The election is decided by the Supreme Court

• A new election is held

• The House of Representatives elects the President

• The Senate elects the President

Which of the following states has the most electoral votes?

• Texas

• Florida

• New York

• California

When do electors cast their votes for President and Vice President?

• On Election Day in November

• In December following the general election

• In January before the inauguration

• On the first Monday in November

Who certifies the electoral votes?

• The President

• The Supreme Court

• The Vice President

• The Speaker of the House

What is a “faithless elector”?

• An elector who does not vote

• An elector who votes for a candidate other than the one they pledged to

• An elector who votes twice

• An elector who is not affiliated with any party

Which of the following best describes a “swing state”?

• A state that always votes for the same party

• A state with a large number of electoral votes

• A state where the outcome is uncertain and can go to either major party

• A state that does not participate in the Electoral College