What are some criticisms of the Electoral College quizlet?

Terms in this set (5)

• Each vote is not counted equally. -Smaller states get a disproportionate amount of votes.
• Distorts presidential campaign towards smaller states.
• Winner of popular vote doesn’t always win.
• Third party candidates can have a disproportionate effect.
• Does not guarantee small states’ influence.

How does a candidate win the electoral College?

How does a candidate win a state’s electoral votes? Voters in each state choose electors by casting a vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. The slate winning the most popular votes is the winner. Only two states, Nebraska and Maine, do not follow this winner-take-all method.

Does the Electoral College make a case for elimination?

Yet the undemocratic aspects of the Electoral College do not by themselves make the case for its elimination. Built into our system of checks and balances are several undemocratic institutions, most notably our entire judiciary. Also several procedures, including amending the Constitution and overriding presidential vetoes require supermajorities.

What are some examples of undemocratic institutions?

Another such undemocratic institution is the Senate, where every state regardless of size has two votes. The Electoral College serves a similar purpose: It restrains the power of the majority. The big states such as California, Texas, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania have the population and economic weight to take care of themselves.

Does the Electoral College protect small states?

And finally, Myth 3: The Electoral College protects small states. You may have heard this one in high school. Without the Electoral College, big states like California and New York would dominate elections. The voices of small states, like Rhode Island and Wyoming, would be drowned out.

What would happen if there was no Senate and Electoral College?

But without equal representation in the Senate and disproportionate voting weight in the Electoral College, the small states with low populations and small economies gradually would become wholly owned subsidiaries of the national government.