Understanding the Electoral College

The video, presented by Bill Nigut, is part of a series on Campaign 2016. It explains the two-step process of electing a U.S. president, involving both the popular vote and the electoral college. The video details how electoral votes are allocated based on the number of congressmen and senators in each state, emphasizing the importance of winning 270 electoral votes to secure the presidency. Georgia's role, with its 16 electoral votes, is highlighted, along with the strategic focus on swing states like Pennsylvania. The video also touches on the debate over the electoral college versus the popular vote.

What is the main goal of the video series presented by Bill Nigut?

• To entertain viewers with election stories

• To provide a better understanding of the election process

• To predict the outcome of the 2016 election

• To discuss the history of U.S. elections

What is the first step in the U.S. presidential election process?

• Supreme Court decision

• Congressional approval

• Popular vote

• Electoral vote

How is the number of electoral votes for each state determined?

• By the number of congressmen and senators

• By the state's land area

• By the state's population

• By the state's economic output

How many electoral votes are needed to win the U.S. presidency?

• 200

• 270

• 300

• 538

What is the total number of electors in the United States?

• 600

• 538

• 435

• 270

Why are states like California, New York, and Texas important in elections?

• They have large pools of electoral votes

• They have the most registered voters

• They have the most campaign events

• They are the first to vote

What is a swing state?

• A state that always votes Republican

• A state that always votes Democrat

• A state that can vote either Democrat or Republican

• A state with no electoral votes

Which state is given as an example of a swing state?

• Pennsylvania

• California

• Texas

• New York

What is one argument against the Electoral College?

• It is a new and untested system

• It does not reflect the popular vote

• It gives too much power to small states

• It is too expensive to maintain

What is the current system used to elect the U.S. President?

• Direct popular vote

• Electoral College

• Congressional vote

• State legislature vote