The Presidency

The Presidential Election Section 5 The Presidential Election

The Presidential Campaign Promote their candidate and undermine the opposition Campaign seems to take over mass media outlets Candidates aim to convince swing voters to support them. Campaign strategy is driven by the electoral college Battleground States

The Election Voters are casting their ballot for electors not for the presidential candidates Most states are winner-take-all Candidates need only 270 out of 538 votes to win Winner is often known shortly after election day – doesn’t become official until January If no majority is achieves in Electoral College vote goes to Congress House of Reps: President; Senate: Vice President

Flaws in the Electoral College? Three defects: Winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed the Presidency Bush v. Gore (2000) Electors are not required to vote in accordance with the popular vote. Any election might be decided by Congress.

Reforms? The district plan The proportional plan Align selection of electors along State Congressional districts. (gerrymandering?) 2 at large; 1 per district The proportional plan Align selection of electors with popular vote in state. District popular election Abolish the Electoral College National popular vote Interstate compact - each state would award electors based on national popular vote.

Defending Electoral College Only two elections have gone to the House of Representatives since 1824 Candidate who wins popular vote and not the presidency has only happened 4 out of 56 elections. Tried and tested method Identifies President quickly and with certainty Promotes two-party system