We Should Go to Direct Popular Vote, NYU’s Brams Says

The video discusses approval voting, a system allowing voters to approve multiple candidates, unlike plurality voting. It highlights its potential impact on elections, using the 2000 and 2016 U.S. elections as examples. The video also critiques the Electoral College, advocating for a direct popular vote. Approval voting is gaining traction in places like Fargo and St. Louis, with potential benefits for moderate candidates.

What is a key feature of approval voting compared to plurality voting?

• Voters must write in their choice.

• Voters can only select one candidate.

• Voters can approve multiple candidates.

• Voters can rank candidates.

How could approval voting have affected the 2000 U.S. presidential election?

• It would have increased the number of candidates.

• It would have guaranteed a win for George Bush.

• It would have allowed voters to support both Nader and Gore.

• It would have eliminated third-party candidates.

In the context of the 2016 election, what does approval voting tend to favor?

• Extreme candidates

• Moderate candidates

• Candidates with the most media coverage

• Candidates with the most money

What is a potential benefit of approval voting in political nominations?

• It helps identify a broadly acceptable candidate.

• It ensures only one party can win.

• It eliminates the need for debates.

• It reduces the number of candidates.

What is a criticism of the Electoral College mentioned in the transcript?

• It gives too much power to large states.

• It does not reflect the popular vote.

• It is too expensive to maintain.

• It requires a constitutional amendment to change.

Where has approval voting been recently adopted in the United States?

• Fargo, ND

• Miami, FL

• New York City, NY

• Los Angeles, CA

What challenge is associated with implementing approval voting in legislative systems?

• It requires a new type of voting machine.

• Legislators may fear losing their seats.

• It is not supported by any political party.

• It is too complex for voters to understand.