1. The Executive Branch #3
The Electoral College

2. The Electoral College Elects Pres & VP
Indirect election created by Framers

3. How does it work?
Each state has electoral votes = # of Congress members
CA: 2 S + 53 HR = 55 Electoral Votes
WY: 2 S + 1 HR = 3 Electoral Votes
23rd Amendment: Washington DC given 3 electoral votes
Total = 538 Electoral Votes

4. Each State’s Electoral Votes
If you are running for president which states will you focus your campaign on?

5. 270 (majority) is required to win the presidency
If no one reaches 270 or there is a tie:
HR members pick the pres
Each state in HR is given 1 vote

6. Winner Takes All
In most states the winner of the popular vote receives all of that states electoral votes
In Colorado
54% Obama
45% McCain
Winner, Obama, takes all 9 EV
In Florida in 2000
Bush has a few hundred more popular votes than Gore, wins all the electoral votes & election

7. Why do we have it? Tradition Medium size states love it!
Ohio, Pennsylvania and other medium sized, competitive states become all important in the general election – swing states or battleground states
Spreads out candidate’s attention
To amend the Const need 3/4 of states to agree

8. More reasons to keep the EC
Usually it works! The winner of the popular vote generally wins the electoral college

9. Let’s get rid of it!
Popular vote winner is not always the electoral college winner
Not in 2000
Last time it “failed” was in the late 1800s

10. More reasons to end the EC
Large states are ignored in general election
CA, TX, NY are virtually ignored – why?
More confusing than direct elections
Faithless Elector
HR could decide election

11. Should we amend the Constitution to remove the Electoral College and replace it with direct elections?

12. Thesis Checklist: √ Tells the reader the specific topic of the essay
√ Explains the argument of the essay
√ Suggest the organization of the paper
√ Does not begin with “This thesis states” or “In my opinion” (never use 1st person!)

13. More Thesis Tips!
When you make a (subjective) judgment call, specify and justify your reasoning.
Original: Socialism is the best form of government for Kenya.
WHY? WHY? WHY?
Revised: If the government takes over industry in Kenya, the industry will become more efficient.
OH! That’s why!

14. Thesis = topic + opinion + reasoning
Due at the end of the period!

15. Silent Debate! Explain 2 reasons for your assigned position
Trade papers
Respond / debate with the arguments