5.4 Interpretations and debates of US democracy and participation

Question 1

advantages of the electoral process and the Electoral College and the debate around reform

Answer 1

Preserves Federalism
The Electoral College ensures that states, as individual entities, have a voice in the presidential election.
Example: Smaller states like Vermont or Alaska are not overshadowed by populous states like California or Texas.
Promotes Stability
The Electoral College simplifies outcomes by consolidating votes, reducing the chance of fragmented or indecisive results.
Example: A clear majority in the Electoral College avoids nationwide recounts.
Encourages Broad Campaigning
Candidates must address issues important to diverse regions rather than focusing solely on urban areas.
Example: Swing states like Pennsylvania and Florida become focal points, forcing candidates to consider their needs.

Question 2

disadvantages of the electoral process and the Electoral College and the debate around reform

Answer 2

Disproportionate Representation
Smaller states have more influence per voter due to the minimum of three electoral votes regardless of population size.
Example: Wyoming voters have more influence per person compared to voters in California.
Possibility of Popular Vote Mismatch
A candidate can win the presidency without winning the popular vote.
Example: In 2016, Donald Trump won the Electoral College despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes.
Overemphasis on Swing States
The system leads to excessive focus on battleground states while ignoring states with predictable outcomes.
Example: Solidly Democratic or Republican states, such as New York or Alabama, often receive little attention during campaigns.

Question 3

Pro reform

Answer 3

Arguments for Reform

Fair Representation
A popular vote system would ensure every vote carries equal weight, regardless of the state.
Example: Critics argue the current system undervalues voters in large states with predictable outcomes.
Modern Democracy
Reform could align the process with democratic principles, where the candidate with the most votes wins.
Example: A national popular vote compact has gained support to bypass the Electoral College.
Reduce Swing State Influence
Reforms like proportional vote allocation would diminish the overemphasis on battleground states.

Question 4

Against reform

Answer 4

Protects Smaller States
The current system ensures smaller states maintain influence in presidential elections.
Example: Eliminating the Electoral College would give populous urban areas overwhelming control.
Risk of Instability
Reform might create fragmented results or require runoffs, delaying election outcomes.
Example: A popular vote system might result in third-party candidates gaining influence without a majority.
Preserves Federal Structure
The Electoral College reflects the federal nature of the U.S. government by balancing state and national interests.

Question 5

the role of incumbency in elections

Answer 5

Incumbency is a significant factor to determine an electoral success of congressional candidates who seek re-election. From OpenSecret, 94.5% of the Representatives are re-elected and 100% of the Senators are re-elected. This is due to the name recognition from the pork barrel politics while the congresspersons hold meetings in town halls to ‘bring back the bacon’ to the constituencies and demonstrate their effort of bringing benefits to the corresponding constituencies, which is also a form of accountability. Besides, the incumbents face less challenges even when the congressional districts are gerrymandered, and the relationship and networks between media can converse into electoral support. Hakeem Jeffries has the most fundrasion raised with $14 million while running for New York District 08.