1. What is the Electoral College?
Winning Slate of electors from respective State
Votes Sent to Washington - Vice Pres. Counts
270/538 to win!

2. Why was an Electoral College Created?

3. Framers Distrusted the Average Voter
Felt that the population was not educated enough!
Really just a Formality Now

4. How Does It Work - Choosing the President
Slate of Electors Chosen by Popular Vote
Each Major Party Chooses Their “Electors”
Number Determined by # of Representatives and Senators for each State
Illinois - 18 House + 2 Senators = 20 votes!
Popular Vote in November, Electors Cast Votes in State Capitol on Dec. 16
Votes sent to Senate in Washington D.C.

10. What if There is No Winner?
House elects President
Occurred Twice
1800 and 1824
Senate chooses VP

12. Criticisms of System http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wC42HgLA4k
Does not Express Will of the Voter
Does not Represent Popular Vote
“Winner take all System”
Can Elect a President who Receives Fewer Popular Votes Than Opponent
This has occurred 4 times!
Smaller States Left out of Political Process

13. Possible Reform Measures
Abolish System Direct Election
Choose Electors Differently
Base Vote on % of Popular Vote
Change would Require Amendment!