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  • Essay / Should the Electoral College Be Abolished Dbq

    Table of ContentsHistorical BackgroundThe Structure of the Electoral CollegeCriticism of the Electoral CollegeArguments in Favor of the Electoral CollegeConclusionThe Electoral College has been a topic of debate for many years, with critics claiming that it is outdated and an undemocratic system that should be abolished. On the other hand, supporters of the Electoral College argue that it plays an important role in preserving the balance of power between states and ensuring that small states have a voice in the presidential election process. This essay will critically analyze the arguments for and against abolishing the Electoral College and ultimately argue for its abolition. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayHistorical ContextTo fully understand the debate around the Electoral College, it is crucial to examine its origins and historical context. The Electoral College was created by the framers of the United States Constitution in 1787 as a compromise between those who wanted the president to be elected by Congress and those who wanted a direct popular vote. This compromise was necessary to secure the support of large and small states in ratifying the Constitution. The Structure of the Electoral College The Electoral College is made up of 538 electors, with each state assigned a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress. The candidate who obtains the majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) becomes president. This winner-takes-all system, in which the candidate who receives the most popular votes in a state wins all of that state's electoral votes, has been the subject of criticism.Criticism of the Electoral CollegeOne of the main arguments against the college electoral is that it can result in the election of a president who did not win the popular vote. This has happened five times in American history, most recently during the 2016 election. Critics argue that it undermines the principle of majority rule and can lead to a lack of legitimacy for the president. Additionally, the Electoral College gives disproportionate power to small states. Because of the winner-takes-all system, a candidate can win the presidency by focusing on a few key states and ignoring the rest of the country. This can result in the problems and concerns of small states being neglected in favor of those of larger states. Additionally, the Electoral College discourages voter participation. In states that are clearly red or blue, voters may feel like their vote doesn't matter and choose not to participate in the election. This risks distorting the will of the people and undermining the democratic process.Arguments for the Electoral CollegeSupporters of the electoral college argue that it serves as a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority. They argue that a direct popular vote could result in the election of a president who appeals to only a few populous states, neglecting the interests and concerns of less populous states. The Electoral College ensures that candidates must have broad geographic support to win the presidency. Additionally, the Electoral College helps maintain the balance of power between states. This prevents large states from dominating the electoral process and ensures that smaller states have a voice. This is particularly important in a federal system like that of the United States, where states enjoy a great deal of autonomy and their interests must be protected. system of election of the president. Arguments against the Electoral College, such as its potential to..