1. Preserve it or Abolish it?

2. The Two Philosophies of the Electoral College:  Was part of the “Great Compromise” during the Constitutional Convention 1. It maintains a “republic” rather than a pure democracy (Republicanism) 2. Keeps a “balance of power” (Federalism)

3. The Electoral College Balances: Liberty of the PEOPLE Sovereignty of the STATES

4. Two Guiding Principles of the Electoral College: Majority of the People Majority of the States

5. The Electoral College Majority of the PEOPLE Majority of the STATES

6. The Electoral College California: 11% of Population but 20% of Electors needed Wyoming: 3 votes = 1:160,000 California: 54 votes = 1:610,000

7. the Electoral College Protects Against: Against Voter Fraud If Texas cheated and gave G. W. Bush 1 billion votes, he would not have needed any other state to win the Presidency. Same with Obama and Chicago. Ignorant Voters Mickey Mouse is widely more popular and more known than any politician. Remember how many dogs have been elected Mayor?

8. How many of the 7 Principals of the Constitution are in effect with the Electoral College? SEVEN BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE CONSTITUTION 1) Popular Sovereignty - the governments right to rule comes from the people 2) Limited Government - the government has only the powers that the Constitution gives to it 3) Separation of Power - the Constitution divides the government into three branches: Congress-legislative branch makes laws President-executive branch carries out the laws Courts-judicial branch explains and interprets the laws 4) Checks and Balances - each branch of government has the power to check or limit the actions of the other two 5) Federalism - division of power between the federal government and the states. 6) Republicanism - citizens elect representatives to carry out their will 7) Individual rights - The Constitution protects individual rights such as freedom of speech, freedom religion etc

9. ELECTORAL COLLEGE How many votes are needed to win? A majority; 270 electoral votes How was the number decided? Formula: 435 (House of Representatives) (Article 2; Sec 1) + 100 (Senators) (Article 2; Sec 1) + 3 (District of Columbia) (23 rd Amendment) 538/2 = 269 Majority = (50% + 1)