Evaluate the view that the electoral college is no longer fit for purpose. 30 m
I EC elects the President and VP.
States are awarded electoral votes proportionally to their
population and can choose how to allocate theses votes
internally.
The EC was created to check public opinion, fearing popular
sovereignty.
P1 The EC is no longer fit for purpose as it can result in the loser of the
popular vote winning the presidency.
There have been at least 5 presidents elected without the
support of the people.
o 2016, Clinton received 3 million more votes than Trump, yet
Trump’s narrow wins in valuable states like Florida allowed
him enough ECV to win the presidency.
Therefore, the EC is fundamentally undemocratic, intended to
separate people from the presidential election at a time people
were uneducated in contrast to today’s greater access to
resources and information.
Rogue electors – 21 states have no requirements for electors to
follow public voting.
o 2016, Clinton lost 5 delegates who should have voted for
her.
HOWEVER, arguably the power of delegates has declined.
o In 2020 there were no faithless electors, potentially as a
result of Chiafolo v. Washington: the SC ruled unanimously
that states can enforce an elector’s pledge in presidential
elections.
P2 The EC protects democracy by ensuring against the tyranny of the
majority and respecting federalism.
Small states deliberately carry more votes to protect against
intimidation.
I EC elects the President and VP.
States are awarded electoral votes proportionally to their
population and can choose how to allocate theses votes
internally.
The EC was created to check public opinion, fearing popular
sovereignty.
P1 The EC is no longer fit for purpose as it can result in the loser of the
popular vote winning the presidency.
There have been at least 5 presidents elected without the
support of the people.
o 2016, Clinton received 3 million more votes than Trump, yet
Trump’s narrow wins in valuable states like Florida allowed
him enough ECV to win the presidency.
Therefore, the EC is fundamentally undemocratic, intended to
separate people from the presidential election at a time people
were uneducated in contrast to today’s greater access to
resources and information.
Rogue electors – 21 states have no requirements for electors to
follow public voting.
o 2016, Clinton lost 5 delegates who should have voted for
her.
HOWEVER, arguably the power of delegates has declined.
o In 2020 there were no faithless electors, potentially as a
result of Chiafolo v. Washington: the SC ruled unanimously
that states can enforce an elector’s pledge in presidential
elections.
P2 The EC protects democracy by ensuring against the tyranny of the
majority and respecting federalism.
Small states deliberately carry more votes to protect against
intimidation.
