Demystified: How the Electoral College Works

The video explains the Electoral College system used in U.S. presidential elections. Voters cast ballots for electors, who then vote for the president. Most states use a winner-take-all system, but Maine and Nebraska allocate votes differently. Electors meet in December to cast votes, which are counted in January. If no candidate gets 270 votes, the House of Representatives decides the winner. Some presidents have won the Electoral College but lost the popular vote, sparking calls for reform. Despite its complexity, voting remains a crucial civic duty.

What is the primary role of electors in the Electoral College?

• To propose new laws

• To serve as members of Congress

• To represent the popular vote of their state

• To directly elect the President

How are electoral votes typically awarded in most states?

• Proportionally based on the popular vote

• Through a lottery system

• Winner-take-all basis

• By the state governor's decision

Which states do not follow the winner-take-all system for electoral votes?

• Florida and New York

• Ohio and Pennsylvania

• Maine and Nebraska

• California and Texas

What happens if no presidential candidate receives 270 electoral votes?

• The House of Representatives votes among the top three candidates

• The Senate elects the President

• The election is declared void

• A new election is held

Which of the following Presidents won the electoral vote but lost the popular vote?

• Barack Obama

• Franklin D. Roosevelt

• George W. Bush

• Bill Clinton