level: Level 1 of debates of US democracy and participation
Questions and Answers List
level questions: Level 1 of debates of US democracy and participation
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the electoral college? | American presidents are elected not directly by the people, but by the people's electors. The Electoral College was created by the framers of the U.S. Constitution as an alternative to electing the president by popular vote or by Congress. |
| What does the constitution specify? | 'electors will undermine the president and vice president' |
| How many electors have there been since 1964? | 538 |
| How are the number of electors decided? | Every ten years a census is taken to determine the number of reps each state will have which determines the electors |
| How many electoral votes are awarded to some states? | California = 55, Florida = 29, New York = 29, Texas = 34 |
| Why can a candidate that won the popular vote still lose the election? | Because its based on electoral college votes not the popular vote |
| What are the positives about the electoral college? | avoids the need for recounts, only twice in history has candidate who didn't win the popular vote been elected, the system is based on respect for the principle of federalism |