How Does the Electoral College Work? What Will Happen in 2020 & What if There's a Tie? - TLDR News

The video explains the Electoral College's role in U.S. presidential elections, detailing its origins, mechanics, and historical context. It discusses the concept of faithless electors and the legal framework surrounding them. The video also explores arguments for and against the Electoral College, including proposals for its abolition or reform, such as the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact and proportional allocation of electoral votes.

What is the primary role of the Electoral College in the United States?

• To elect the President and Vice President

• To create laws for the country

• To manage state elections

• To educate citizens about voting

How are the number of electors for each state determined?

• By the state's geographical size

• By the state's population alone

• By the number of registered voters

• By the total number of senators and representatives in Congress

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

• The election is postponed

• The House of Representatives decides the election

• A new election is held

• The election is decided by the Supreme Court

What is a 'faithless elector'?

• An elector who votes for the candidate who won the national popular vote

• An elector who votes for someone other than the candidate who won their state's popular vote

• An elector who votes for the candidate who lost the national popular vote

• An elector who does not vote at all

What did the Supreme Court rule regarding state laws and electors?

• Electors are free to vote for any candidate

• States cannot bind electors to the popular vote

• Electors must always vote according to their conscience

• States can bind electors to the popular vote winner of their state

Why did the framers of the Constitution opt for an Electoral College instead of a direct popular vote?

• They wanted to reduce the cost of elections

• They wanted to simplify the election process

• They believed voters lacked information for informed decisions

• They wanted to ensure faster election results

Which document provides arguments in favor of the Electoral College?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Bill of Rights

• The Magna Carta

• The Declaration of Independence

What is one main criticism of the Electoral College?

• It is too complex for voters to understand

• It requires too many electors

• It allows the winner of the electoral vote to lose the popular vote

• It is too expensive to maintain

What is the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact?

• A law that requires all states to use a direct popular vote

• A method to reduce the number of presidential candidates

• A system to increase the number of electors

• A proposal to award electoral votes to the national popular vote winner

How do Maine and Nebraska differ in awarding their electoral votes?

• They do not participate in the Electoral College

• They award votes based on the popular vote in each Congressional District

• They award votes based on the national popular vote

• They use a winner-takes-all system