history of electoral college vs popular vote

The History of Electoral College vs Popular Vote

The Electoral College and the Popular Vote are two methods of electing the President of the United States. The Electoral College system has been used since the country’s founding, while the Popular Vote concept is a more recent development. Understanding the history of these two methods and their differences is essential in appreciating the current state of the American political system.

Electoral College: The Electoral College is a system established by the United States Constitution, where each state is allotted a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress. These electors are selected by the political parties in each state, and they cast their votes for the president. The candidate who receives a majority of the electoral votes (at least 270 of the 538 total) is elected as President. The system was established to provide a balance between direct popular election of the President and the interests of the states in the election process.

Popular Vote: The Popular Vote, on the other hand, is a more recent concept that refers to the total number of votes cast for a particular candidate in a presidential election. The Popular Vote is not used to directly elect the President, but it is a way for citizens to express their opinions about who should be elected. The Popular Vote has become increasingly important in recent years, as it gives a more accurate picture of the support of the American people for a particular candidate.

History: The Electoral College has been in use since the founding of the country, and it has been amended several times over the years. The most significant change to the Electoral College system was made in 1804, when the 12th Amendment to the Constitution was adopted. This amendment established the current method of voting for President and Vice President, with separate ballots for each office.

The Popular Vote, on the other hand, is a more recent development in American politics. The concept of the Popular Vote gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the country became more democratic and politically engaged. The Popular Vote became even more important in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as the use of technology and communication made it easier for citizens to participate in the election process.

Controversies: Despite being in use for over two centuries, the Electoral College system has been the subject of much controversy and criticism in recent years. Some people argue that the Electoral College is an outdated and undemocratic system, as it gives more weight to the votes of citizens in certain states, while others argue that it provides a balance between the interests of the states and the people.

The Popular Vote, on the other hand, has become increasingly important in recent years, but it is not without its own controversies. Some people argue that the Popular Vote would give more power to the larger states, while others argue that it would give more power to the people, rather than the states.

In conclusion, the Electoral College and the Popular Vote are two important methods of electing the President of the United States. The Electoral College is an established system that has been in use since the country’s founding, while the Popular Vote is a more recent development that reflects the changing political landscape of the country. Regardless of the controversies surrounding these two methods, they continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the American political system.