1. Electing the President

2. How Do We Elect the President?
Originally the Founding Fathers wanted Congress to choose the President (like Parliament chooses the Prime Minister in England).
Problem: Congress would
then have too much power,
especially over the President.

3. How Do We Elect the President?
Direct popular vote
Problems:
Founders feared that citizens could not make good choices.
The most popular candidates are not always the best presidents.

4. How Do We Elect the President?
Solution to Problems:
Each party would nominate Electors.
People would vote for Electors based upon their party preference.
The Electoral College

5. The Electoral College Today
435 members of House
100 members of Senate
representatives from D.C.
538 Total Electors
But since about 1920, you never see Electors names on ballot, only the Presidential candidates.

6. The Electoral College Today
Turn to page 222 in your textbook.
The Electoral College System

7. Problems with the Electoral College System
Winner takes all system
The winner of the popular vote has lost the election in the Electoral College 4 times.
See page 225 in your textbook.

8. Problems with the Electoral College System
Direct Popular Elections would seem to be the obvious solution.
However
Proposals for direct popular election have failed because the states with small populations would loose influence.

9. ASSIGNMENT With one partner
List at least 10 characteristics that you want to see in your ideal Presidential candidate.
List someone who seems like he/she would meet your criteria for an ideal President.
Due at end of this period.