Understanding the Electoral College

What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in the United States?

• To directly elect the President by popular vote

• To elect the President through a group of appointed electors

• To elect members of Congress

• To elect state governors

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

What is the minimum number of electoral votes needed to win the presidency?

• 270

• 538

• 100

• 435

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution established the modern Electoral College that votes for President and Vice President separately?

• 12th Amendment

• 15th Amendment

• 19th Amendment

• 1st Amendment

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

How are the number of electoral votes per state determined?

• By the state's population

• By the number of senators and representatives in Congress

• By the state's land area

• By the number of registered voters

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

Which of the following states has the most electoral votes?

• Texas

• Florida

• California

• New York

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

What happens if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes?

• The election is decided by the Supreme Court

• The election is decided by the House of Representatives

• The election is decided by the Senate

• A new election is held

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

Which of the following is a criticism of the Electoral College?

• It gives too much power to small states

• It ensures a direct democracy

• It always reflects the popular vote

• It simplifies the election process

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

How often does the Electoral College meet to cast votes for President?

• Every two years

• Every four years

• Every six years

• Every year

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

Which of the following is a benefit of the Electoral College?

• It ensures that all parts of the country have a say in the election

• It guarantees the popular vote winner becomes President

• It simplifies the election process

• It eliminates the need for a national campaign

Tags

FL.SS.7.CG.3.14

The statement below was published in support of the Constitution:

"Measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority of ordinary citizens." - James Madison, The Federalist, No. 10

Which feature of the Constitution was introduced to reduce the possible influence of an "overbearing majority."

• the creation of an Electoral College to select the president

• the decision to place the executive branch in the hands of one person

• the requirement that the Senate confirm nominations by the President

• the establishment of a House of Representatives to represent the people.