Electoral College: Historical Perspectives

The video explains the origin of the Electoral College, an indirect system for electing the U.S. president. It highlights the debates among the Founding Fathers on who should elect the president, including Congress, state legislators, or citizens. Concerns about these options led to the creation of the Electoral College as a compromise. The system addressed issues like regional bias and the influence of large states, particularly benefiting southern slave states. The video also mentions the significant change brought by the 12th Amendment in 1804.

What is the primary function of the Electoral College?

• To allow Congress to choose the president

• To ensure the president is chosen by state governors

• To directly elect the president

• To provide a compromise between different methods of electing the president

Which group was responsible for creating the Electoral College as a compromise?

• The Committee of 11 on Postponed Matters

• The US Congress

• The Supreme Court

• The State Governors

What was a major concern about allowing Congress to elect the president?

• The president would have too much power

• The states would lose influence

• The president might become subservient to Congress

• The citizens would not have a say

Why did some Founders oppose a national popular vote for president?

• It would take too long to count the votes

• Citizens might not have enough information about candidates

• It would give too much power to the federal government

• It would be too expensive to conduct

How did the Electoral College address concerns about regional bias in voting?

• By allowing only Congress to vote

• By ensuring electors are more knowledgeable

• By requiring a unanimous decision

• By giving more power to state governors

Why was the Electoral College seen as a solution to uninformed voting?

• It allowed only Congress to vote

• It limited voting to certain states

• Electors were believed to be more knowledgeable

• It required voters to pass a test

What was a concern of small states regarding a national popular vote?

• They would have to share power with other states

• It would be too costly for them

• They would have less influence compared to larger states

• Their governors would lose authority

How did the Electoral College system benefit southern slave states?

• By giving them control over the House of Representatives

• By increasing their representation through the 3/5 compromise

• By allowing slaves to vote

• By giving them more senators

What significant change did the 12th Amendment introduce to the Electoral College?

• It gave more power to the Supreme Court

• It changed the process of electing the president and vice president

• It allowed direct election of the president

• It abolished the Electoral College

What was the main reason for the creation of the Electoral College?

• To allow the Supreme Court to have a say in elections

• To ensure the president is chosen by the military

• To balance power between large and small states

• To simplify the election process