Criticisms of the electoral college-
1- statistical advantage to the small states
2- people only campaign in the big states
3- you can win popular vote but lose the electoral vote
4- it's a win or take all system
5- gives the appearance of land slides
6- faithless electors (ex. of federalism)- can change vote
Use--
1- Plurality- when you have the most votes but you don't have the majority
2- How you get electoral votes- number if representatives + number of state senators
Electoral college is--
-afraid of fraud
-concerned about small states--> demanded electoral college
- untrusting of the people
Reasons for the electoral college-
1- small states demanded it
2- wanted time to make sure the numbers were right
3- wanted control
4- set up parliamentary system *we have an executive branch and they don't * Each state gets one vote, if no one wins majority
Although the United States Constitution refers to "Electors" and "electors", the name "Electoral College" — or any other name – is never used to describe the electors collectively. It was not until the early 19th century that the name "Electoral College" came into general usage as the collective designation for the electors selected to cast votes for President and Vice President.
US is a 2 party system
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