Understanding the Electoral College System

The video explains the Electoral College, a system used to elect the US president. It details how electors are chosen, how states' electoral votes are determined by population, and the importance of swing states. The video also discusses the significance of the Electoral College in ensuring all states have a voice in elections, preventing larger states from dominating the outcome. The process of electors voting on Election Day and the potential role of the House of Representatives if no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes are also covered.

What is the primary function of the Electoral College in U.S. presidential elections?

• To organize presidential debates

• To cast the actual votes for president on behalf of each state

• To determine the vice-presidential candidates

• To directly elect the president by popular vote

How is the number of electors for each state determined?

• By the state's geographical size

• By the state's economic output

• By the number of registered voters

• By the state's population and congressional representation

Why do smaller states still have a significant voice in the Electoral College?

• They have more electors than larger states

• The Electoral College ensures every state has a voice regardless of size

• They have more representatives in Congress

• They can veto the election results

What happens if a candidate wins the popular vote in a state using the Winner Takes All system?

• They share the votes with the runner-up

• They receive all of the state's electoral votes

• They receive no electoral votes

• They receive a portion of the state's electoral votes

Which two states do not follow the Winner Takes All system?

• New York and Illinois

• Maine and Nebraska

• Florida and Ohio

• California and Texas

What is a swing state?

• A state where the vote can go either Republican or Democrat

• A state with the most electoral votes

• A state that always votes for the same party

• A state that does not participate in the election

Why are swing states crucial in presidential elections?

• They have the most electoral votes

• They can decide the entire election outcome

• They have the largest populations

• They always vote for the winning candidate

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

• 538

• 100

• 300

• 270

What happens if no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes?

• The House of Representatives chooses the president

• A new election is held

• The election is declared invalid

• The Senate chooses the president

Why does the Electoral College system require candidates to win across many states?

• To simplify the election process

• To ensure big cities have more control

• To make sure every state matters and every vote counts

• To reduce the number of candidates