Understanding the Electoral College text questions

What was one purpose for creating the Electoral College at the founding?

• A system to allow territories equal voting power

• A compromise between Congress and popular election

• A replacement for state legislatures appointing Senators

• A method to expand the Supreme Court’s authority

Which statement about the term “electoral college” in the Constitution is accurate?

• The Constitution names electors but not the electoral college

• The Constitution defines the electoral college in Article I

• The Constitution uses “college of electors” throughout

• The Constitution prohibits any reference to electors

How many total electors compose the Electoral College today?

• Six hundred thirty-eight electors in total

• Five hundred thirty-eight electors in total

• Four hundred thirty-five electors in total

• Five hundred thirty-five electors in total

What determines each state’s number of electoral votes?

• Its proportional share of national popular vote

• Its total number of registered partisan voters

• Its total population from the latest census

• Its total number of Senators and Representatives

Which entity currently selects the individuals who will serve as electors in a state?

• The winning candidate’s state political party

• The state’s congressional delegation jointly

• The independent state redistricting commission

• The governor after consulting county clerks

On general Election Day, what does a voter for President actually do?

• Formally certify the state’s popular vote results

• Directly cast a constitutional ballot for President

• Submit one of six Certificates of Vote personally

• Help determine which slate of electors is appointed

Who presides over the joint session when Congress counts electoral votes?

• The Vice President as President of the Senate

• The Majority Leader as chamber chair

• The Speaker of the House as presiding officer

• The Chief Justice as President of the Court

What are the only acceptable grounds for objection to a state’s electoral votes?

• Allegations of campaign finance irregularities

• Popular vote margin too narrow to be legitimate

• Electors not lawfully certified or votes not regularly given

• Turnout below fifty percent statewide

What majority of electoral votes is needed for a presidential candidate to win outright?

• At least 270 of the 538 available votes

• At least 260 of the 538 available votes

• At least 251 of the 500 available votes

• At least 286 of the 570 available votes

If no presidential candidate reaches the majority threshold, who chooses the President?

• The fifty governors voting by population share

• The Supreme Court voting by simple majority

• The full Senate voting by individual Senators

• The House of Representatives voting by state delegations