Understanding the Electoral College
This worksheet explores the function, history, and controversies surrounding the Electoral College in the United States.
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Understanding the Electoral College
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers based on your knowledge of the Electoral College.
1. What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in the United States presidential election?
To ensure direct popular vote election outcomes
To give more power to smaller states in presidential elections
To facilitate a more efficient counting of votes nationwide
To allow Congress to elect the President directly
2. How is the number of electoral votes for each state determined?
Based on the state's land area
Based on the state's total population, as determined by the most recent census
Based on the number of registered voters in the state
Based on the state's economic output
3. The total number of electoral votes available is .
4. To win the presidential election, a candidate must secure at least electoral votes.
5. The 'winner-take-all' system, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes, is used in all states except and .
6. The Electoral College was established by the U.S. Constitution.
True
False
7. It is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote nationwide but lose the presidential election due to the Electoral College.
True
False
8. Briefly explain one argument in favor of keeping the Electoral College.
9. Briefly explain one argument against keeping the Electoral College.