The Evolution of the Electoral System

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 22 views

The American electoral system has undergone significant changes since its inception. To comprehend the complexities of the current system, it is essential to review the original provisions made by the Framers. In this article, we will delve into Chapter 13, Section 5 of the textbook to summarize the method as originally created by the Framers.

The Original Provisions: Chapter 13, Section 5

The original provisions for selecting presidential electors can be found in Chapter 13, Section 5 of the textbook. This section outlines the method by which electors were chosen in the early years of the American republic. According to the original provisions, the selection of electors was a complex process that involved multiple steps.

Step 1: The Electoral College

The original provisions established the Electoral College as the primary mechanism for selecting presidential electors. The Electoral College consisted of a group of electors chosen by each state to cast votes for president and vice president. The number of electors in each state was equal to the number of members the state had in the House of Representatives plus the number of senators.

Step 2: The Selection of Electors

The selection of electors was a state-by-state process. Each state was responsible for choosing its own electors, who were typically chosen by the state legislature or by the people through a popular vote. The electors were usually chosen based on their loyalty to a particular candidate or party.

Step 3: The Electoral Process

Once the electors were chosen, they would meet in their respective states to cast their electoral votes for president and vice president. The candidate who received the majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, would win the presidency.

The Original Method: A Summary

In summary, the original provisions for selecting presidential electors involved the following steps:

The Electoral College was established as the primary mechanism for selecting presidential electors.
Each state chose its own electors, who were typically chosen by the state legislature or by the people through a popular vote.
The electors met in their respective states to cast their electoral votes for president and vice president.
The candidate who received the majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, would win the presidency.

The Evolution of the Electoral System

Over time, the electoral system has undergone significant changes. The 12th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1804, modified the electoral process by requiring electors to cast separate votes for president and vice president. The 23rd Amendment, ratified in 1961, granted the District of Columbia electoral votes. The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, prohibited the federal government and the states from denying the right to vote in federal elections due to the non-payment of a poll tax or other tax.

The Current Electoral System

Today, the electoral system remains a complex process that involves multiple steps. The selection of electors is still a state-by-state process, with each state choosing its own electors. The electors meet in their respective states to cast their electoral votes for president and vice president. The candidate who receives the majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, wins the presidency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the original provisions for selecting presidential electors, as outlined in Chapter 13, Section 5 of the textbook, provide a fascinating glimpse into the early years of the American republic. The complex process of selecting electors, as originally created by the Framers, has undergone significant changes over time. Understanding the original provisions is essential to comprehending the complexities of the current electoral system.

Key Takeaways

The original provisions for selecting presidential electors involved the Electoral College, the selection of electors, and the electoral process.
The Electoral College consisted of a group of electors chosen by each state to cast votes for president and vice president.
The selection of electors was a state-by-state process, with each state choosing its own electors.
The electors met in their respective states to cast their electoral votes for president and vice president.
The candidate who received the majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, would win the presidency.

Q: What is the Electoral College?

A: The Electoral College is a group of electors chosen by each state to cast votes for president and vice president. The number of electors in each state is equal to the number of members the state has in the House of Representatives plus the number of senators.

Q: How does the Electoral College work?

A: The Electoral College works as follows:

Each state chooses its own electors, who are typically chosen by the state legislature or by the people through a popular vote.
The electors meet in their respective states to cast their electoral votes for president and vice president.
The candidate who receives the majority of the electoral votes, at least 270 out of 538, wins the presidency.

Q: Why do we have the Electoral College?

A: The Electoral College was established by the Founding Fathers as a compromise between those who wanted Congress to choose the president and those who wanted the people to directly elect the president. The Electoral College was designed to give smaller states a voice in the election process and to prevent larger states from dominating the election.

Q: Can a candidate win the presidency without winning the popular vote?

A: Yes, it is possible for a candidate to win the presidency without winning the popular vote. This has happened five times in U.S. history:

1824: John Quincy Adams vs. Andrew Jackson
1876: Rutherford B. Hayes vs. Samuel J. Tilden
1888: Benjamin Harrison vs. Grover Cleveland
2000: George W. Bush vs. Al Gore
2016: Donald Trump vs. Hillary Clinton

Q: How do faithless electors work?

A: Faithless electors are electors who do not vote for the candidate they are pledged to support. In some states, faithless electors can be punished or even removed from their position. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that faithless electors cannot be punished for their actions.

Q: Can a state change its electoral votes?

A: Yes, a state can change its electoral votes, but it would require a constitutional amendment. The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution, which granted the District of Columbia electoral votes, was a rare example of a constitutional amendment that changed the electoral system.

Q: How do third-party candidates affect the electoral system?

A: Third-party candidates can affect the electoral system in several ways:

They can split the vote and potentially deny the winner of the popular vote the presidency.
They can influence the outcome of the election by drawing votes away from the major-party candidates.
They can also provide a platform for alternative ideas and perspectives.

Q: What is the role of the Electoral College in the 2020 election?

A: The Electoral College played a crucial role in the 2020 election, with Joe Biden winning the presidency by a margin of 306 to 232 in the Electoral College. However, Biden also won the popular vote by a margin of over 7 million votes.

Conclusion

The American electoral system is a complex and fascinating process that has been in place for over two centuries. By understanding the Electoral College, faithless electors, and third-party candidates, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the electoral system. Whether you are a seasoned politician or a curious citizen, the electoral system is an essential part of American democracy.

Key Takeaways

The Electoral College is a group of electors chosen by each state to cast votes for president and vice president.
The Electoral College was established as a compromise between those who wanted Congress to choose the president and those who wanted the people to directly elect the president.
Faithless electors are electors who do not vote for the candidate they are pledged to support.
Third-party candidates can affect the electoral system by splitting the vote, influencing the outcome of the election, and providing a platform for alternative ideas and perspectives.