POLS-Y 100 Lecture 5: The Electoral College
Document Summary
Longely: deplorable institution : faithless electors- vote for the elector, the elector then casts your vote. Uncertain election outcomes: winner- takes all. No absolute majority when more than two candidates. Magnifies the power of large states, candidates campaign in larger states. Smaller states don"t weight much on the presidential election, many people wont be represented: constant two- Every state has at least two votes because every state has at least two senators. Smallest states have disproportionate amounts of power/influence: popular vote vs. elecotral vote. Problem with legitimacy of (minority) presidents: contingency procedure (house of reps) Constitutional crisis is deadlock in the house. Conclusion- abolish, neither certain in operation, nor neutral. Weissberg on longley: faithless electors- never affect outcome of elections, winner-takes all. Partisan interest groups in large states would decide the outcome of elections. Interest groups in large states never decided/influenced outcomes or gained direct benefits after elections.
