1. Electoral College
The President is actually elected by the Electoral College, per the Constitution
Number of electors from each state is based on how many Senators + House members
(36 House + 2 Senate = 38 Electors for TX)
When you vote for President, you are essentially voting for either the Republican or Democratic elector in your state.
“Magic Number” is 270 of the 538 electors

3. Electoral College
A candidate can win the popular vote and lose in the electoral college
4 times
In 2000, Gore won about 500,000 more popular votes than Bush, but Bush won more electors
2008, Obama won 53% of popular vote, but 68% of electoral votes
If no candidate wins 270 electors, the House of Representatives votes

4. PLAY ELECTORAL COLLEGE GAME
Once with four or so groups, without needing to get to 270 (30 min)
Second time with two groups. Dems & Republicans. CA to D & TX to R before game begins. (25 min)
Talk about what kids like and dislike about Electoral College. Is it democratic? Do candidates like it? Do citizens like it? Should it be changed?