1. The Presidency

2. The Presidential Election
Section 5
The Presidential Election

3. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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