Electoral College

How does the United States presidential election system differ from most other democracies worldwide?

• The US uses a popular vote system, while others use an electoral college.

• The US uses an Electoral College, while most other democracies elect their head of state with a popular vote.

• The US has a two-party system, while most others have multiple parties.

• The US elects its president directly, while others use parliamentary systems.

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

• Based solely on the state's population.

• Based on the number of representatives in the House of Representatives plus two senators.

• Determined by the popular vote in the previous presidential election.

• Each state receives a fixed number of electoral votes, regardless of population.

What is a consequence of how the Electoral College allocates votes among states?

• Voters in larger states have significantly more influence than voters in smaller states.

• All individual votes across the country carry equal weight.

• Voters in less populated states can have a disproportionately higher influence on the election outcome.

• The system encourages candidates to campaign equally in all states.

Why do presidential candidates often concentrate their campaign efforts on "swing states"?

• These states have the largest populations, guaranteeing more popular votes.

• The outcome in these states is highly predictable, allowing for efficient resource allocation.

• These states have a close balance between political parties, making their electoral votes crucial for winning.

• Federal law mandates that candidates visit a certain number of swing states.

Which of the following states is likely to have less voting influence in a presidential election due to the Electoral College system?

• Michigan

• Florida

• California

• New Hampshire

Why do swing states receive a disproportionate amount of campaign spending and attention in presidential elections?

• They have the largest populations.

• Their electoral votes are crucial for winning the presidency.

• They have the most diverse electorates.

• They are typically the wealthiest states.

What was the primary purpose of the Three-fifths clause during the formation of the US Constitution?

• To ensure equal representation for all states regardless of population.

• To resolve the dispute between Northern and Southern states over how enslaved people would be counted for representation.

• To establish a system for direct popular election of the president.

• To grant voting rights to all free men, regardless of race.

How did the Three-fifths clause affect the electoral power of states like Virginia compared to states like Pennsylvania in the early US?

• It reduced Virginia's electoral votes due to its large enslaved population.

• It gave Virginia more electoral votes by counting a portion of its enslaved population.

• It had no significant impact on the electoral votes of either state.

• It granted enslaved people in Virginia the right to vote, increasing its power.

Which types of states have the most say when electing the President?

• Swing States

• Large States

• Small States

• Democratic States

What is your opinion on the Electoral College? Is it fair or bias? Should it be abolished, changed or kept the way it is? Explain your response.