Understanding the Electoral College
A Grade 9 civics worksheet exploring the functions, history, and impact of the Electoral College in the United States presidential elections.
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Understanding the Electoral College
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Read each question carefully and provide your best answer 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 elect members of Congress
To directly elect the President by popular vote
To balance the power between populous and less populous states
To determine the number of Supreme Court justices
2. How is the number of electoral votes for each state determined?
Based on the state's land area
Based on the number of registered voters in the state
Based on the sum of its representatives in the House and its two senators
Based on the state's economic output
3. The total number of electoral votes available in a presidential election is .
4. A candidate needs at least electoral votes to win the presidency.
5. The 'winner-take-all' system, used by most states, means the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of its .
6. True or False: The Electoral College was established by the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
True
False
7. True or False: 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 the Electoral College.