The Role and History of the Electoral College

The video explains the U.S. Electoral College system, where voters indirectly elect the president by voting for electors. Each state has a set number of electors based on its congressional representation. The candidate with the majority of electoral votes wins the presidency. The system was created as a compromise during the 1787 Constitutional Convention to balance influence between populous and smaller states. The video also includes a review section with questions to reinforce learning.

What is the role of electors in the U.S. presidential election?

• They directly vote for the president.

• They are members of Congress.

• They pledge to vote for the candidate with the most votes in their state.

• They are chosen by the president.

How is the number of electors for each state determined?

• By the number of senators and representatives the state has.

• By the state's population size.

• By the number of registered voters in the state.

• By the state's geographical size.

What is the total number of electors in the Electoral College?

• 380

• 538

• 255

• 100

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

• 100

• 270

• 538

• 300

Why was the Electoral College system created?

• To simplify the election process.

• As a compromise between direct election by citizens and selection by state legislatures.

• To ensure that only large states have a say in the election.

• To allow Congress to choose the president.