Should Electoral College Be Abolished Dbq

The Electoral College has been a topic of debate for many years, with critics arguing that it is an outdated and undemocratic system that should be abolished. On the other hand, proponents of the Electoral College argue that it serves an important purpose in preserving the balance of power between states and ensuring that smaller states have a voice in the presidential election process. This essay will critically analyze the arguments for and against the abolition of the Electoral College and ultimately argue in favor of its abolition.

Historical Context

To fully understand the debate surrounding the Electoral College, it is crucial to examine its origins and historical context. The Electoral College was established 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 ensure the support of both large and small states in ratifying the Constitution.

The Structure of the Electoral College

The Electoral College is composed of 538 electors, with each state being allocated a number of electors equal to its representation in Congress. The candidate who receives a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) becomes the 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 a subject of criticism.

Critique of the Electoral College

One of the main arguments against the Electoral College is that it can result in the election of a president who did not win the popular vote. This has happened on five occasions in American history, most recently in the 2016 election. Critics argue that this undermines the principle of majority rule and can lead to a lack of legitimacy for the president.

Furthermore, the Electoral College gives disproportionate power to smaller states. Due to the winner-takes-all system, a candidate can win the presidency by focusing on a few key swing states and ignoring the rest of the country. This can result in the issues and concerns of smaller states being overlooked in favor of those of larger states.

Additionally, the Electoral College discourages voter turnout. In states that are reliably red or blue, voters may feel that their vote does not matter and choose not to participate in the election. This has the potential to distort the will of the people and undermine the democratic process.

Arguments in Favor of the Electoral College

Proponents of the Electoral College argue that it serves as a safeguard against the tyranny of the majority. They contend that a direct popular vote could result in the election of a president who appeals only to a few populous states, neglecting the interests and concerns of the less populous states. The Electoral College ensures that candidates must have broad geographic support to win the presidency.

Furthermore, the Electoral College helps to maintain the balance of power between states. It prevents larger states from dominating the election process and ensures that smaller states have a voice. This is especially important in a federal system like the United States, where states have significant autonomy and their interests should be protected.

Conclusion

While the Electoral College may have served its purpose in the past, it is clear that it is no longer a fair and effective system for electing the president. The arguments against the Electoral College, such as its potential to undermine the principle of majority rule and its tendency to give disproportionate power to smaller states, outweigh the arguments in favor of it.

In a modern democratic society, it is essential that the will of the people is accurately represented in the election of their leaders. The Electoral College fails to fulfill this requirement and instead perpetuates a system that is undemocratic and prone to manipulation. It is time for the United States to move towards a system that reflects the principle of one person, one vote, and abolishing the Electoral College is a necessary step in achieving this goal.