POLI 330N Week 4 Assignment: Electoral College – Good or Bad?
Student Name
Chamberlain University
POLI-330: Political Science
Prof. Name
Date
Week 4 Discussion: The Electoral College Argument, Politics, and Social Media
Option 2: Should the Electoral College Be Kept or Abolished?
The Electoral College has long been a point of contention in American democracy. The debate revolves around whether it ensures a fair representation of all states or undermines the will of the popular vote. After the 2016 U.S. presidential election, a surge of dissatisfaction emerged when Donald Trump became president despite losing the popular vote. This marked the fifth time in U.S. history where the candidate who received fewer popular votes won the presidency, highlighting a structural inconsistency within the democratic process (Greenberg & Page, 2018).
Although this outcome led many to advocate for abolishing the Electoral College, I believe the institution should remain intact—but with critical reforms. The system, while imperfect, serves as a stabilizing mechanism in balancing regional representation. Rather than dismissing it outright, refining its processes may address the perceived inequities that have surfaced in recent elections.
The Case for Keeping the Electoral College
The Electoral College was designed to create a buffer between the general population and the selection of a President, ensuring that smaller states had representation in the decision-making process. This principle still holds merit today. A complete shift to a direct popular vote system could give disproportionate power to more populous urban areas, potentially ignoring the interests of rural states.
Critics often argue that the Electoral College favors less populous states due to the built-in allocation of two senatorial votes per state, regardless of population (Erikson, Sigman, & Linan, 2020). While this does grant smaller states a relative advantage, it also protects them from being politically overshadowed by more populous regions. This protection aligns with the federalist principles upon which the United States was founded.
A common misconception about the Electoral College is that electors are free to vote however they wish. In reality, historical data shows that more than 99% of electors have voted according to their pledges (National Archives and Records Administration [NARA], 2021). This demonstrates a high degree of reliability in the system, contrary to widespread concerns about “faithless electors.”
Table 1: Key Advantages and Disadvantages of the Electoral College
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Protects the political influence of smaller states | May result in a president who did not win the popular vote |
| Encourages national campaigning | Disenfranchises voters in “safe” states |
| Maintains political stability | Favors battleground states disproportionately |
| Has a strong historical precedent and reliability | Perceived as undemocratic by many citizens |
Historical Context and Contemporary Concerns
Throughout U.S. history, five presidents have assumed office without winning the popular vote, most recently in 2000 and 2016. These instances have triggered nationwide debates about the legitimacy of the Electoral College and its impact on voter morale. When voters perceive that their individual vote may not impact the outcome, civic engagement and trust in democratic processes can erode (Greenberg & Page, 2018).
However, eliminating the Electoral College would require a constitutional amendment, a process that demands widespread political agreement—something rarely achievable in the current partisan climate. Instead of discarding a system that has generally maintained continuity and order, the focus should be on introducing reforms such as proportional allocation of electoral votes or ranked-choice voting within states.
POLI 330N Week 4 Assignment: Electoral College – Good or Bad?
Understanding the Selection of Electors
Electors are chosen through a two-step process governed by political parties within each state. Initially, parties nominate slates of potential electors. These individuals are typically loyal party members who are then formally selected based on the outcome of the general election in their respective states. As outlined by the NARA (2021), this structure has proven effective in ensuring electoral accountability and minimizing deviation from expected outcomes.
Public Opinion and the Role of Social Media
Public opinion, especially among younger generations, is increasingly shaped by social media platforms. While these tools provide greater political engagement opportunities, they can also amplify misinformation and create echo chambers. The 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18, was meant to empower youth participation. Yet, some critics argue that younger voters are more susceptible to media influence, raising concerns about informed decision-making.
Still, limiting voting rights or modifying constitutional amendments is not a viable solution. Instead, the emphasis should be on enhancing civic education and ensuring access to credible information sources. The media should act as a bridge, not a barrier, between the electorate and objective political knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Electoral College has its flaws, abolishing it could introduce new challenges that undermine the stability and inclusivity of the American electoral system. Rather than eliminating it, thoughtful reforms can preserve its strengths while addressing its shortcomings. Encouraging transparency in elector selection, enhancing voter education, and promoting equal state representation are critical steps forward. Democracy is best served not by dismantling long-standing institutions but by refining them to meet contemporary needs.
References
Erikson, R. S., Sigman, K., & Linan, Y. (2020). Electoral College bias and the 2020 presidential election. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(45). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2013581117
POLI 330N Week 4 Assignment: Electoral College – Good or Bad?
Greenberg, E. S., & Page, B. I. (2018). The struggle for democracy (12th ed.). Pearson.
National Archives and Records Administration. (2021). About the electors. https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/electors.html