1. The Electoral College What is it?

2. Today’s Objective After today’s lesson, students will be able to… Analyze the Electoral College, as well as proposed alternatives, and consider which is the most effective and efficient way to elect our nation’s leader. Essential Skill Examine information from more than one point of view

4. January June July November Primaries Elections start …and endDNC/RNC The General Election Elections in 50 states that award delegates to the convention Elections in 50 states that award electoral votes in the electoral college Election Timeline 1.What is the first state to hold a caucus? 2.What is Super Tuesday? 3.What is the difference between a closed and open primary? 4.Are caucuses or primaries used more often? 5.What is a benefit to the caucus system? 6. When does the General Election occur in November ? 7. Who picks the candidates at the conventions? 8. What is the purpose of the convention?

6. The Electoral College The Idea Behind the Electoral College The Process of the Electoral College How to Win the Presidency

7. The Idea Behind the Electoral College Goal The Founders sought to protect the Presidential election from manipulation, to preserve states’ rights and to put a check on the people’s choice for President… Solution …they created a two-step presidential election process so that the President is not directly elected by the people

8. The Process of the Electoral College

9. How to Win the Presidency

10. 2012 Electoral College Results in the Presidential Election How many electoral votes is a state guaranteed?

11. States visited by Kerry and Bush in final 5 weeks of 2004 Election $$$ spent by Kerry and Bush in final 5 weeks of 2004 Election

12. Quick Review What is the main difference between most elections and presidential elections? Who created the electoral college and why? How many electoral votes does it take to win the Presidency? How is the number of electoral votes per state determined? How might the number of electoral votes a state has impact campaigns?

13. Which Option is Best? Electoral College Direct Election Proportional Plan District Vote National Popular Vote

14. Fishbowl Debate Read your assigned plan and take notes/highlight important arguments In debate, introduce the proposed alternatives to the Electoral College and then debate over which of the methods would be the best for our country Those observing take notes on the discussion

15. Format Direct Election & Proportional Election (10 minutes) District Plan & National Popular Vote (10 minutes)

16. Due to “Winner Takes All”… 1. Candidates focus on large, competitive (“swing”) states while ignoring other states 2. Discourages third parties 3. Candidate may win presidency but lose popular votes (1824, 1876, 1888, 2000)

17. Other Downsides to Electoral College 4. Possibility of “faithless electors” 5. Voter Turnout – wasted vote in safe states 6. Votes of all citizens do not count equally NOT “one person one vote” Modest boost to smaller states: “Overrepresented” 1 Wyoming Elector = 165,101 votes; 1 California Elector = 617,000 votes

18. So Why Do We Have It!? 1. It was in the Constitution Would need a Constitutional Amendment to overturn 2. Helps to focus electoral problems Imagine a nationwide recount 3. Gives legitimacy to the winner Woodrow Wilson won 41.8% of vote (81.9% Electoral College) 4. Ensures Federalism Candidates must develop diverse and inclusive platforms

19. Reflection Write a reflection explaining why you voted for the plan you did. Be sure to fully explain your thoughts!

20. The 2000 Presidential Election 50,999,897 votes 2,883,105 votes 50,456,002 votes

21. 537 VOTES

25. A felon list was distributed in Florida and some were wrongly denied the right to vote b/c of their name

27. Should ex-felons be allowed to vote? What problems exist in our democracy in regards to political participation (voting & elections)?

28. How would you solve the problem?