Electoral College and Presidential Elections

The video explores the history of the Electoral College in the United States, focusing on its origins during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the issues that arose during the 1796 and 1800 presidential elections. These issues led to the ratification of the 12th Amendment, which changed how electors cast their votes for president and vice president. The video does not cover the current workings of the Electoral College but provides a historical context for its development.

What is the main focus of the video?

• The role of Congress in presidential elections

• The impact of the Electoral College on modern elections

• The history of the Electoral College and the 12th Amendment

• The process of how the Electoral College works

How was the president originally elected under the Electoral College system?

• By electors casting two votes for president

• By state legislatures

• By Congress

• By a nationwide popular vote

What was the outcome of the 1788-1789 presidential election?

• The election was decided by Congress

• Thomas Jefferson became president

• John Adams became vice president

• George Washington was not elected

What was the purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

• To replace the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution

• To elect a new president

• To establish a new legislative body

• To draft the Articles of Confederation

What was one of the main flaws of the Articles of Confederation?

• It allowed states to print their own money

• It required unanimous consent for amendments

• It did not provide the US with a leader

• It gave too much power to the president

What issue arose during the 1796 presidential election?

• The election was postponed

• The election was decided by the Supreme Court

• There was a tie in the electoral votes

• The president and vice president were from opposing parties

What was a significant problem in the 1800 presidential election?

• A lack of candidates

• A tie in the Electoral College

• A nationwide popular vote

• A unanimous decision by Congress

What is a contingent election?

• An election decided by the Supreme Court

• An election decided by a nationwide popular vote

• An election where the president is chosen by Congress

• An election with no clear winner

What did the 12th Amendment change about the Electoral College?

• It abolished the Electoral College

• It required separate votes for president and vice president

• It allowed for a nationwide popular vote

• It limited the president to two terms

What is the impact of the 12th Amendment on presidential candidates?

• They must be elected by Congress

• They run with a vice presidential candidate of their choice

• They are limited to one term

• They are elected by a nationwide popular vote