1. The Electoral College CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS

2. C-SPAN Video  Link (Winner take all vs. proportional system) Link

3. Electoral College – Historical Context  An issue of the power of state vs. central government  Lack of transportation and communication in early America  The belief of the evilness of political parties  The lack of campaigning

4. Origins of the Electoral College  Rejected ideas:  Congress choosing the president  State legislatures choosing the president  Direct election of the president  Committee of Eleven  Indirect election of the president through a college of electors  Electors would be the most knowledgeable and would disregard state origin or political party

5. Assigning Electors  States receive one elector for each member of the House of Representatives  435  States receive one elector for each Senator  100  What is the minimum amount of electors a state may have?

7. Population Shifts  So if the population moves, what could we expect from the amount of electoral votes (electors) each state gets?  US Census Population Shift Grid US Census Population Shift Grid

10. Controversy  “…a majority of Americans have continually expressed support for the notion of an official amendment of the U.S. Constitution that would allow for direct election of the president.” – 2001 Gallop Poll “…a majority of Americans have continually expressed support for the notion of an official amendment of the U.S. Constitution that would allow for direct election of the president.” – 2001 Gallop Poll

11. 2000 Election George BushAl Gore Popular Vote: 50,456,002 47.87% Popular Vote: 50,999,897 48.38% Electoral Votes: 271 Electoral Votes: 266

12. 270 to Win…  www.270towin.com www.270towin.com