The Eclectoral College - Strengths And Weaknesses

Question 1

What are the strength of the Electoral college in reference to the states?

Answer 1

. It preserves the voice of the small population states.

. If the Electoral College were to be abolished, the votes of the smaller states would become almost worthless, swept aside by the larger states.

. In the first presidential election, in 1788 of the 13 states that took part, the largest Virginia, had 12 electoral college votes while the smallest had 3.

. In 2012, the smallest state still only retained 3 electoral college votes while the largest state, California retained 55 votes.

Question 2

What is a strength of the Electoral College in reference to a two-horse race?

Answer 2

. The Electoral College tends to promote a two-horse race.

. In such a two-horse race, the winner will tend to revive over 50% of the vote, which is a definite aid in uniting the nation.

.in 26 of the 38 elections held between 1864 and 2012, a candidate was able to achieve a 50% majority.

Question 3

What is a weakness of the Electoral College in reference to small states?

Answer 3

. Small states are ultimately over represented under the current system.

. California relieves roughly 1 electoral vote per 675,000 people.
. Wyoming on the other hand receives 1 electoral vote per 185,000 people.

. If California were to receive electoral college votes based on the same basis as Wyoming it would have over 200 electoral college votes.

. The same could be said in regards to wasted votes in the UK via safe seats

Question 4

What is a weakness of the Electoral College in reference to the Winner takes all system?

Answer 4

. The winner takes all system often distorted the result e.g. a candidate may win the popular vote yet isn’t elected as they didn’t win the majority in electoral college votes.

. In 2016 Hillary Clinton won 48.2% of the popular vote, compared to Trumps 46.1%.
. Trump however was able to secure the pivotal swing states and therefore won 306 electoral votes compared to Hillary’s 232 electoral college votes.

. As a result Trump won the election without winning the popular vote.

. The electoral college is ultimately a 200 year old system designed to suppress the popular will and limit the power of the people