The Executive Branch #3 The Electoral College
The Electoral College Elects Pres & VP Indirect election created by Framers
How does it work? Each state has electoral votes = # of Congress members CA: 2 S + 53 HR = 55 Electoral Votes WY: 2 S + 1 HR = 3 Electoral Votes 23rd Amendment: Washington DC given 3 electoral votes Total = 538 Electoral Votes
Each State’s Electoral Votes If you are running for president which states will you focus your campaign on?
270 (majority) is required to win the presidency If no one reaches 270 or there is a tie: HR members pick the pres Each state in HR is given 1 vote http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/ http://www.270towin.com/states/California
Winner Takes All In most states the winner of the popular vote receives all of that states electoral votes In Colorado 54% Obama 45% McCain Winner, Obama, takes all 9 EV In Florida in 2000 Bush has a few hundred more popular votes than Gore, wins all the electoral votes & election
Why do we have it? Tradition Medium size states love it! Ohio, Pennsylvania and other medium sized, competitive states become all important in the general election – swing states or battleground states Spreads out candidate’s attention To amend the Const need 3/4 of states to agree
More reasons to keep the EC Usually it works! The winner of the popular vote generally wins the electoral college
Let’s get rid of it! Popular vote winner is not always the electoral college winner Not in 2000 Last time it “failed” was in the late 1800s
More reasons to end the EC Large states are ignored in general election CA, TX, NY are virtually ignored – why? More confusing than direct elections Faithless Elector HR could decide election
Should we amend the Constitution to remove the Electoral College and replace it with direct elections?
Thesis Checklist: √ Tells the reader the specific topic of the essay √ Explains the argument of the essay √ Suggest the organization of the paper √ Does not begin with “This thesis states” or “In my opinion” (never use 1st person!)
More Thesis Tips! When you make a (subjective) judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning. Original: Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya. WHY? WHY? WHY? Revised: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient. OH! That’s why!
Thesis = topic + opinion + reasoning Due at the end of the period!
Silent Debate! Explain 2 reasons for your assigned position Trade papers Respond / debate with the arguments