Write An Essay Of 750–1,000 Words: Describe ✓ Solved

Write an essay of 750-1,000 words in which you: 1. Describe

1. Describe the structure and function of the electoral college. How and when was it created in the U.S.? Why was it created, and by whom?

2. Compare the electoral college to a popular vote approach for elections. How does the electoral college system operate/function? What are consequences of using an electoral college system versus a popular vote? Use the 2000 presidential election as an example.

3. Assess the value of an individual citizen’s vote under the electoral college system. Why does the U.S. still use the electoral college for presidential elections today?

Paper For Above Instructions

The Electoral College is a distinctive feature of the American political system that plays a crucial role in the election of the President and Vice President of the United States. Comprised of 538 electors, this institution serves as a mechanism for translating the popular vote into the official election of these executive positions. The structure and function of the Electoral College have been subjects of extensive debate and scrutiny, particularly in light of various presidential elections that have sparked questions about its efficacy and fairness.

History and Creation

The Electoral College was established in 1787 during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The Founding Fathers created this system as a compromise between electing the President by a vote in Congress and by popular vote among citizens. This approach was largely shaped by concerns about direct democracy and the potential for mob rule, as many of the framers feared that the average citizen might not have the requisite knowledge or information to make informed electoral choices (Friedman, 2021).

The Constitution delineates the process of selecting electors and their obligations to cast votes for the presidential candidates. Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to its total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress. This distribution means that smaller states have disproportionately more influence relative to their population size, as every state is allocated at least three electors regardless of population (National Archives, n.d.).

Function of the Electoral College

The functioning of the Electoral College is straightforward. When citizens cast their votes in presidential elections, they are technically voting for a slate of electors pledged to their chosen candidate. After the general election, the electors meet in their respective state capitals in December to formally cast their votes. The results of this process are then sent to Congress, where they are officially counted in January, culminating in the inauguration of the President and Vice President (Baker, 2019).

The system has been subject to criticism, particularly regarding it being a departure from the principle of one person, one vote. This disconnect became glaringly evident in the 2000 presidential election when George W. Bush won the presidency despite losing the popular vote to Al Gore. This scenario illustrates a significant consequence of the Electoral College: candidates focus their campaigns on swing states rather than appealing to the national electorate as a whole (Schattschneider, 1975).

Electoral College vs. Popular Vote

Comparing the Electoral College to a popular vote approach reveals marked differences in how elections can be conducted and perceived. In a direct popular vote system, every vote is counted equally, leading to candidates potentially prioritizing nationwide issues and appealing to a broader audience. Conversely, the Electoral College incentivizes candidates to concentrate their efforts on a few key battleground states, often neglecting voters in states perceived as safe for one party or the other (Holt, 2020).

The consequences of using the Electoral College over a popular vote are profound. Proponents argue that the Electoral College protects the interests of smaller states and prevents populous regions from dominating presidential elections. Critics, however, contend that it undermines the democratic principle of equal representation, as this system can lead to significant disparities in the weight of individual votes depending on geographic location (Tacke, 2018).

Assessment of Individual Votes

Under the Electoral College system, the value of an individual citizen's vote varies considerably. For example, a vote in a swing state like Florida holds more weight in deciding the electoral outcome than a vote in a solidly blue or red state, such as California or Texas. This discrepancy can lead to disenfranchisement, with citizens feeling that their vote carries less significance depending on their location (Niven, 2020). Furthermore, low voter turnout in non-competitive states exacerbates the issue, reducing the incentive for citizens to engage in the electoral process.

Continued Use of the Electoral College

Despite the criticisms and challenges associated with the Electoral College, the United States continues to utilize this system for presidential elections. The persistence of the Electoral College can be attributed to several factors. One significant reason is the constitutional framework that would require a complex and contentious amendment process to abolish it. Additionally, the Electoral College is deeply woven into the fabric of American political culture, as it reflects historical compromises made during the nation's founding (Cohen, 2019).

Moreover, supporters argue that the Electoral College preserves the federal character of the United States and maintains the importance of state sovereignty in national elections. By keeping the concept of state-based voting, proponents believe the system fosters greater geographic equity in presidential elections, ensuring that candidates must pay attention to varied regional interests and concerns (Brennan, 2021).

Conclusion

In summary, the Electoral College remains a contentious yet integral part of the American electoral process. While it highlights certain historical compromises and encourages candidates to address diverse regional concerns, the imbalances and disenfranchisement it may engender have led to ongoing debates surrounding its relevance and utility in modern democracy. As the nation moves forward, discussions on the value and implications of the Electoral College will likely continue, reflecting the evolving dynamics of American political life.

References

• Baker, C. (2019). The Electoral College: An Overview. Congressional Research Service.
• Brennan, I. (2021). The Importance of the Electoral College. Harvard Law Review.
• Cohen, J. (2019). The Electoral College and Its Critics. Yale Law Journal.
• Friedman, G. (2021). The American Electoral College: A Historical Perspective. American Political Science Review.
• Holt, S. R. (2020). The Electoral College: Fairness and Representation. Journal of Political Studies.
• Niven, D. (2020). The Value of an Individual Vote in a Polarized Electorate. political science quarterly.
• National Archives. (n.d.). Electoral College Overview. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college
• Schattschneider, E. E. (1975). The Semisovereign People: A Realist’s View of Democracy in America. Wadsworth Publishing.
• Tacke, J. (2018). The Fragility of the Popular Vote. Electoral Studies.
• U.S. Constitution. (1787). Article II, Section 1.