Should the electoral college be abolished dbq answer key pdf – The Electoral College, a unique aspect of the American political system, has sparked ongoing debates regarding its relevance and fairness. This DBQ answer key PDF delves into the historical, constitutional, and contemporary arguments surrounding the Electoral College, providing a comprehensive analysis of its potential abolition.
The discussion explores the origins of the Electoral College and its role in balancing the interests of different states. It examines the arguments for abolishing the Electoral College, emphasizing the concept of “popular vote” and its implications for presidential elections.
Additionally, the PDF analyzes the arguments for retaining the Electoral College, highlighting its protective role for smaller states and its potential impact on the balance of power within the United States.
Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?: Should The Electoral College Be Abolished Dbq Answer Key Pdf
The Electoral College is a system used to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. It was established in the Constitution and has been used in every presidential election since 1788.
Historical Context
The Electoral College was created as a compromise between those who wanted the President to be elected by Congress and those who wanted the President to be elected by the people. The compromise was that the President would be elected by electors chosen by each state’s legislature.
The number of electors each state received was based on its population.
Arguments for Abolishment
There are several arguments in favor of abolishing the Electoral College.
- It is not democratic. The President is not elected by the popular vote, but by the Electoral College. This means that it is possible for a candidate to win the popular vote but lose the Electoral College, and thus the presidency.
- It gives too much power to small states. The Electoral College gives each state a number of electors based on its population. This means that small states have a disproportionate amount of power in the presidential election.
- It discourages voter turnout. In states where the outcome of the presidential election is not in doubt, voters may be less likely to turn out to vote.
Arguments for Retention
There are also several arguments in favor of retaining the Electoral College.
- It protects the interests of small states. The Electoral College ensures that small states have a voice in the presidential election. Without the Electoral College, large states would have a much greater say in who becomes President.
- It prevents the tyranny of the majority. The Electoral College makes it more difficult for a candidate to win the presidency by appealing only to the most populous states. This helps to ensure that the President is elected by a majority of the country.
- It promotes stability. The Electoral College helps to prevent sudden changes in government policy. This is because the President is elected for a four-year term, and the entire Electoral College is not up for election at the same time.
Alternative Electoral Systems, Should the electoral college be abolished dbq answer key pdf
There are several alternative electoral systems that could be used to elect the President of the United States.
- Popular vote. The President would be elected by the candidate who receives the most votes in the popular election.
- Proportional representation. The President would be elected by a body of electors that reflects the popular vote. Each state would receive a number of electors based on its population, and the electors would be chosen by the voters in each state.
- Ranked-choice voting. Voters would rank the candidates in order of preference. The candidate with the most first-place votes would be elected, and if no candidate receives a majority of first-place votes, the candidate with the most second-place votes would be elected, and so on.
Constitutional Considerations
The Electoral College is established in the Constitution, and any changes to it would require a constitutional amendment. There have been several attempts to amend the Constitution to abolish the Electoral College, but none of them have been successful.
Public Opinion and Political Implications
Public opinion on the Electoral College is divided. A 2018 poll found that 52% of Americans favor abolishing the Electoral College, while 44% favor keeping it.
FAQ Explained
What are the main arguments for abolishing the Electoral College?
Proponents of abolishing the Electoral College argue that it undermines the principle of “one person, one vote” and can lead to a candidate winning the presidency despite losing the popular vote. They also contend that it gives disproportionate power to small states and can lead to regional biases in presidential elections.
What are the main arguments for retaining the Electoral College?
Supporters of the Electoral College argue that it protects the interests of smaller states and ensures that they have a say in presidential elections. They also maintain that it helps to prevent the tyranny of the majority and promotes stability in the political system.
What are some alternative electoral systems used in other countries?
Alternative electoral systems used in other countries include the popular vote system, the two-round system, and the proportional representation system. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of system depends on the specific political and cultural context of each country.
