The Presidential Election Section 5 The Presidential Campaign Promote their candidate and undermine the opposition Campaign seems to take over mass media outlets Candidates aim to convince swing voters to support them ID: 273162
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Slide1
The PresidencySlide2
The Presidential Election
Section 5Slide3
The Presidential CampaignPromote their candidate and undermine the opposition
Campaign seems to take over mass media outletsCandidates aim to convince swing voters to support them.Campaign strategy is driven by the electoral collegeBattleground StatesSlide4Slide5
The ElectionVoters are casting their ballot for electors not for the presidential candidates
Most states are winner-take-allCandidates need only 270 out of 538 votes to winWinner is often known shortly after election day – doesn’t become official until JanuaryIf no majority is achieves in Electoral College vote goes to Congress
House of Reps: President; Senate: Vice PresidentSlide6
Flaws in the Electoral College?Three defects:
Winner of the popular vote is not guaranteed the PresidencyBush v. Gore (2000)Electors are not required to vote in accordance with the popular vote.Any election might be decided by Congress.Slide7Slide8Slide9
Reforms?The district plan
Align selection of electors along State Congressional districts. (gerrymandering?)2 at large; 1 per districtThe proportional planAlign selection of electors with popular vote in state.District popular election
Abolish the Electoral College
National popular vote
Interstate compact - each state would award electors based on national popular vote.Slide10
Defending Electoral CollegeOnly two elections have gone to the House of Representatives since 1824
Candidate who wins popular vote and not the presidency has only happened 4 out of 56 elections.Tried and tested methodIdentifies President quickly and with certaintyPromotes two-party system