Get Schooled! How the Electoral College Works

The video explains the Electoral College system in the United States, highlighting its origins, structure, and function. It discusses historical examples where the popular vote did not align with the Electoral College outcome, such as the elections of 2000 and 2016. The founding fathers' intentions and the Connecticut Compromise are explored, emphasizing the balance between populous and less populous states. The video details the composition of the Electoral College, including the role of electors and the guidelines for their selection. It also covers modern practices, such as the winner-takes-all approach and the significance of swing states in securing a presidential victory.

How does the Electoral College differ from a direct popular vote in presidential elections?

• It is based on a nationwide lottery system.

• It allows the public to vote directly for the president.

• It uses a system where judges vote on behalf of the public.

• It relies on a group of electors to make the final decision.

What was a major concern of the founding fathers regarding direct elections?

• That the public would not participate in elections.

• That larger states would dominate the decision-making process.

• That elections would be too expensive to conduct.

• That the president would have too much power.

How is the number of electors for each state determined in the Electoral College?

• Equal for every state regardless of size.

• Based on the state's population size.

• Reflecting the state's congressional delegation.

• Decided by the current president.

What is a 'faithless elector' in the context of the Electoral College?

• An elector who is not affiliated with any political party.

• An elector who votes for a third-party candidate.

• An elector who does not vote according to the popular vote.

• An elector who abstains from voting.

Why are swing states crucial in the Electoral College system?

• They can determine the overall outcome of the election.

• They are the first to vote in the election.

• They have more electors than other states.

• They have a unique voting system.