Electoral College Reforms Flashcards
Advantages of direct elections
Direct elections would elect the president by a direct popular vote with the winning candidate having the largest percentage of the vote. Direct elections would resolve the issue of candidates, such as George W. Bush in 2000 and Donald Trump in 2016, winning the presidential election despite losing the popular vote.
Disadvantages of direct elections
However, it is unlikely for a president to win over 50% of the popular vote. This is because there is no need for an absolute majority causing many candidates to run.
Advantages of the proportional system
Reform to a proportional system would give Electoral College votes to candidates based on the proportion of the popular vote won in each state. A proportional system would more equally distribute Electoral College votes, and be fairer to third parties who gain support.
Disadvantages of the proportional system
Candidates are less likely to win an absolute majority of Electoral College votes, as candidates for smaller parties would be able to compete and win votes. This could result in a situation where no candidate wins a majority.
Nebraska and Maine
Nebraska and Maine are currently the only states using the congressional district system in elections. In 2016 Maine’s four Electoral College votes were split with Hillary Clinton winning three votes and Donald Trump winning one.
Disadvantages to a congressional district system
There are disadvantages to a congressional district system Using a congressional district system would have only caused small changes to previous election results. The congressional district system can cause less proportionate results, particularly if the winning candidate wins fewer districts by big margins.
Different outcomes
In 2016, a congressional district system would have still caused Donald Trump’s victory. In 2000, the congressional district system would have given George Bush a larger victory than the electoral college, despite losing the popular vote to Al Gore.
