The Electoral College

1
Page 247-249

• The Electoral College

2
Objectives

• Identify the electoral vote
• Identify popular vote
• Understand the controversy revolving around the
  electoral college

3
The Electoral College System

• The direct vote of the people does not elect the
  president.
• State electors are nominated to vote for what
  their state wants (the number of electors is
  based on state population)
• Usually, this reflects the popular vote, but not
  in the last 2 presidential elections

4
Disbursement of Electoral Votes

• Each state has an assigned amount of electors
  ranging from 3 (in Alaska) to 55 (in California)
• We have 11 votes
• There are 538 votes available, so a candidate
  must have 270 to win.

5
Controversy

• Due to the fact that the last 2 presidents have
  not had the popular vote, the electoral college
  is very controversial.
• Many politicians are looking to change the vote
  for president to a popular vote (like it is in
  all other elections)

6
Activity

• Are you for or against the electoral college?
  Explain your answer in at least 3 sentences.