Purpose: With a controversial presidential election in recent history (2016), the role of the Electoral College is often cited regarding the outcome as Donald Trump lost the popular vote but won the Electoral College majority. A handful of other elections throughout history – 1824, 1876, 1888, and 2000 – had the same outcome. Political passions tend to flare when this happens.
The purpose of this assignment is to perform research about the Electoral College and engage in discussion as to whether it should remain part of the U.S. Constitution and political system. This assignment will help you understand the purpose of the Electoral College as well as the controversies surrounding it as you formulate an opinion in answering the following questions: What are the arguments in support of the Electoral College? What are the arguments against the Electoral College? And either way, what does it all mean for voters?
Lesson Outcomes
Examine fundamental political processes, institutions, actors and ideas (CLO 1)
Critically evaluate major arguments in the discipline. (CLO 2)
Effectively debate major arguments in both oral and written forms. (CLO 3)
Perceive how factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, class, and region influence political narratives. (CLO 4)
Analyze major political events and historical political figures. (CLO 5)
Printable Directions for this Assignment (PDF)- Alternative Formats
Steps for Completing the TaskSteps for Completing the Task
Step 1: Research
Read about the Electoral College in the textbook (Chapter 7, pages 266 – 268).
Watch the following videos:
Federalist Paper #68 Explained
How the Electoral College Works
The Trouble with the Electoral College
Read the following article from the Issues &
Electoral College: Should the United States continue to use the Electoral College in presidential elections?
Note Taking Tip: Take notes as you read. Since you know you are reading about two sides of issue, one way to take notes is to have a page for the “for” side and a page for the “against” side. As you read, you can make note of unique perspectives, facts, and/or events that each side uses for evidence to support their viewpoint.
Step 2: Analyze and Evaluate
Consider both sides of the argument. What evidence was effective for supporting the Electoral College? What evidence was effective for abolishing the Electoral College?
Based on the information you studied, how would you respond to the following questions?
What are the arguments in support of the Electoral College ?
