American National Government

American National Government

Part I: The Electoral College

The most common misconception amongst Americans is that their vote directly elects the president. In reality, citizen's vote for an 'Elector' from their representative state, who in turn cats two ballots for the president and the vice president (Simon, n.d). When each state's elector has chosen their favorites, the individuals winning majority of the votes, which are calculated in the country's capital; Washington DC, are then elected to fill the positions of the vice president and president. In cases where there is a tie or no candidate has received majority votes, then the House of Representatives choose the president. This elaborate system is called the 'Electoral College;' a product of two hundred years worth of debate over who should have the authority to choose the president (Leip, 2008).

Moreover, this system of Electoral College serves to keep an additional check on American citizens, as well as balancing the three factions as described by Kimberling (1992), who support different methods of electing the president. The main debate was whether the Congress, state legislatures or direct popular vote should elect the president. The original framers therefore in 1787s selected an indirect method via the Electoral College (Hamilton, 1788).

The EC ensures that the president has popular support which allows him to govern efficiently as he is supported countrywide. Moreover, it can be called a crucial part of the notions of federalism; the basis of our nation. Without the EC system, 'splinter parties and candidates' would be able to gain a foothold into the government, ensuring that no particular candidate has a full vote of majority. However, without this system, candidates would get more individual votes from each state instead of key electoral votes, thereby making each vote crucial as it could make a direct impact, allowing ...