Electoral College Explained
A Grade 12 social studies worksheet exploring the mechanics, history, and controversies surrounding the United States Electoral College system.
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Electoral College Explained
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your knowledge. This worksheet will assess your understanding of the Electoral College system in the United States.
1. What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in the United States presidential election?
To ensure that the popular vote winner always becomes president.
To give smaller states a proportionally larger voice in presidential elections.
To directly elect the president through a nationwide popular vote.
To allow Congress to choose the president if no candidate wins a majority.
2. How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
100
270
435
538
3. The number of electors each state receives is determined by its total number of Senators and .
4. The 'winner-take-all' system, used by most states, means that the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of its votes.
5. The Electoral College was established by a constitutional amendment in the early 20th century.
True
False
6. A candidate can win the popular vote nationwide but still lose the presidential election due to the Electoral College.
True
False
7. Briefly explain one argument in favor of keeping the Electoral College.
8. Briefly explain one argument for abolishing or reforming the Electoral College.
9. Examine the provided map of the United States. If a candidate wins the popular vote in the blue states, and the red states are reliably Republican, what would be the likely outcome of the election?
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