Electoral College Concepts and Critiques

The video discusses the electoral college system in the U.S., highlighting its role in balancing majority rule, decentralization of power, and individual liberty. It explains how the system works, its impact on campaign strategies, and contrasts it with a direct popular election. Despite criticisms, the electoral college is defended for promoting both majority and individual voices, preventing populist demagogues, and maintaining constitutional principles.

How many U.S. presidents have won the presidency without securing the popular vote?

• Seven

• Five

• Nine

• Three

Which principle is NOT balanced by the Electoral College according to the Constitution?

• Decentralization of power

• Majority rule

• Individual liberty

• Economic equality

What does the House of Representatives reflect according to the founding fathers?

• Individual liberty

• Federal power

• Majority rule through proportional representation

• Decentralization of power

How are electors allocated to each state in the Electoral College?

• Based on the number of registered voters

• Equally among all states

• Based on the number of House and Senate members

• Based on population size

What is the main feature of the winner-takes-all system in the Electoral College?

• The candidate with the most state votes wins all the state's electoral votes

• The candidate with the most national votes wins

• Votes are distributed proportionally

• The candidate with the most city votes wins

What does the Electoral College encourage candidates to do during campaigns?

• Focus only on major cities

• Build coalitions across different regions

• Ignore smaller states

• Take extreme partisan positions

How does the Electoral College act as a check on federal power?

• By ensuring economic equality

• By promoting individual liberty

• By reinforcing the importance of states

• By centralizing power

What would a direct popular election likely encourage candidates to do?

• Campaign in rural areas

• Ignore partisan positions

• Focus on major cities

• Build broad coalitions

What is one criticism of the Electoral College mentioned in the video?

• It doesn't reflect the majority's voice

• It has an imperfect record

• It undermines individual rights

• It leads to more populist demagogues

What is one benefit of the Electoral College according to the video?

• It centralizes federal power

• It ensures a direct popular vote

• It prevents populist demagogues

• It promotes economic equality