Week 3 - Presidential Elections

Question 1

How is the President of the United States elected?

Answer 1

Through a national popular vote and the Electoral College vote.

Question 2

How does the Electoral College system work?

Answer 2

Citizens vote in the national popular vote; electors cast their votes based on the popular vote results in each state.

Question 3

How are electors selected? How many are selected?

Answer 3

Chosen by political parties in each state; number of electors equals the total number of Senators and Representatives in Congress.

Question 4

How many Electoral College votes does Texas have?

Answer 4

40 Electoral College votes.

Question 5

How many Electoral College votes are needed for a candidate to win?

Answer 5

270 Electoral College votes.

Question 6

How can an Electoral College vote be challenged?

Answer 6

Members of Congress can object during the joint session; both the House and the Senate must agree to sustain the objection.

Question 7

What is the constitutional authority for the Electoral College?

Answer 7

Article 2, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, and the 12th Amendment.