The Electoral College for Dummies: How it Works

The video provides a comprehensive overview of the Electoral College, explaining its origins, purpose, and functioning. It highlights the system's role in indirect democracy and federalism, detailing how electors are chosen and the impact of state representation. The video also addresses historical challenges, such as the 1800 election tie, and amendments like the 12th Amendment. Criticisms of the system, including the potential for a candidate to win without the popular vote, are discussed. The video concludes with a reflection on the importance of compromise in the electoral process.

What is the Electoral College an example of?

• Parliamentary system

• Indirect democracy

• Direct democracy

• Federalism

Why was the Virginia Plan's proposal for Congress to choose the president rejected?

• It favored smaller states

• It was too similar to a monarchy

• It would create a cozy relationship between branches

• It was too complex to implement

According to Federalist 10, what is a concern about factions?

• They promote unity

• They can dominate government

• They are easily controlled

• They are beneficial for democracy

How are electors awarded to each state in the Electoral College?

• Based on the number of representatives only

• Based on the total population

• Based on both senators and representatives

• Based on the number of senators only

What is a 'faithless elector'?

• An elector who votes for a third-party candidate

• An elector who votes against the state's popular vote

• An elector who does not vote at all

• An elector who votes according to the state's popular vote

What is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

• 538

• 435

• 100

• 270

What happens if no presidential candidate receives 270 electoral votes?

• The Senate chooses the president

• The election is held again

• The House of Representatives chooses the president

• The candidate with the most popular votes wins

What issue did the 12th Amendment address?

• The method of electing senators

• The separation of powers

• The election of the president and vice president on separate tickets

• The number of Supreme Court justices

Who was John Adams' vice president?

• Alexander Hamilton

• Aaron Burr

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

Why is the Electoral College criticized?

• It is too simple

• It can result in a president who did not win the popular vote

• It allows for direct democracy

• It always reflects the popular vote