LT 5

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Electoral College in U.S. presidential elections?

Answer 1

The Electoral College is how the U.S. picks a president.

Question 2

What does the term “swing state” refer to in U.S. elections?

Answer 2

A “swing state” is a state where either major party candidate could win, making it crucial in deciding the election outcome.

Question 3

What is the main role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Answer 3

The main role of the Federal Election Commission (FEC) is to enforce and oversee federal election laws, including campaign finance.

Question 4

In a presidential election, how many total electors are in the Electoral College?

Answer 4

There are 538 total electors in the Electoral College.

Question 5

What is a “primary” election in the U.S. election process?

Answer 5

A “primary” election is when political parties in the U.S. choose their candidates for the general election.

Question 6

The term “gerrymandering” refers to:

Answer 6

“Gerrymandering” refers to drawing voting district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Question 7

How many total electoral votes are needed for a presidential candidate to win the U.S. election?

Answer 7

A presidential candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the U.S. election.

Question 8

What is the “winner-takes-all” system used in most U.S. states during presidential elections?

Answer 8

The “winner-takes-all” system means that in most U.S. states, the candidate who wins the most votes in the state gets all of that state’s electoral votes.

Question 9

How often are U.S. presidential elections held?

Answer 9

U.S. presidential elections are held every four years.

Question 10

What is the “red state” and “blue state” terminology used for in U.S. elections?

Answer 10

“Red state” refers to a state that typically votes for Republican candidates, while “blue state” refers to a state that typically votes for Democratic candidates.

Question 11

Who officially announces the winner of the U.S. presidential election?

Answer 11

The winner of the U.S. presidential election is officially announced by the Congress after the Electoral College votes are certified.

Question 12

What is a “third-party” candidate in a U.S. presidential election?

Answer 12

A “third-party” candidate in a U.S. presidential election is someone who is not affiliated with the two major parties, the Democrats or Republicans.

Question 13

What happens at the end of a U.S. presidential election when a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College?

Answer 13

If a candidate wins the popular vote but loses the Electoral College, they do not become president.

Question 14

Which event marks the official beginning of a U.S. presidential term?

Answer 14

The official beginning of a U.S. presidential term is marked by the inauguration, which takes place on January 20th following the election.

Question 15

The following states are considered major swing states in the 2024 presidential election.

Answer 15

Nevada, Arizona, Georgia,. North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin

Question 16

What is the main difference between a primary election and a general election?

Answer 16

The main difference between a primary election and a general election is that a primary is held to choose the candidates for each party, while a general election is when voters choose between the candidates nominated by the parties to decide who will hold office.

Question 17

Identify a pro and a con of the electoral college system and make a claim as to whether it is the best way to elect the president of the United States.

Answer 17

Pro: The Electoral College ensures that smaller states have a voice in the election, preventing larger states from having too much power.

Con: It is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote but lose the election because of the Electoral College system.

Claim: The Electoral College may not be the best way to elect the president, as it can lead to outcomes that don’t reflect the will of the majority of voters.