The Reasoning Behind the Creation of the Electoral College
In America, the Electoral College includes presidential electors constitutionally allowed to appoint the nation’s president. One of the reasons behind its creation was to ensure the use of the popular vote or Congress to elect the president (Leoni & Pierce, 2021). This was to establish a buffer between the choice of a president and the American population. Another purpose of implementing the Electoral College was to empower smaller states. This was to prevent more populous states from overpowering the smaller ones during the election of the country’s president.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Electoral College
The pros of the Electoral College include increasing the relevance of smaller or minority states in the country’s politics. This involves ensuring that all regions take part in selecting or electing the president (Leoni & Pierce, 2021). Another advantage is that it provides a widely accepted and clear ending to presidential elections by making them less contentious.
However, the Electoral College has cons, such as decreasing Americans’ involvement in the political process. This is because it contributes to the feeling that their votes are unimportant (Leoni & Pierce, 2021). In addition, it gives the most power and attention to swing states. For instance, individuals in swing states such as Michigan and Florida will likely be involved in frequent polls and see many ads.
Retaining or Abolishing the Electoral College
I would support the Electoral College because it ensures an equal voice in all states. Rural states with lower populations will be given equal power if the Electoral College is retained (Leoni & Pierce, 2021). Another reason is that the process helps to strengthen American federalism, hence the need to keep it. This ensures that powers are shared and diffused among national, local, and state governments. Moreover, I would preserve the Electoral College to ensure decisive and clear outcomes during presidential elections to avoid chaos and address the legitimacy issue.
Changes to Presidential Campaigns After Hypothetical Abolishment of the Electoral College
If the Electoral College is eliminated, presidential campaigns will be based on direct voting. This would influence the behaviors of the presidential candidates and the voters’ responses. For instance, candidates’ campaigns will focus on the most populated areas and big cities such as San Francisco and New York. Voters’ involvement in national politics would then decrease in minority states because the majority of the candidates’ attention may not focus on them.
Reference
Leoni, P., & Pierce, D. (2021). The Electoral College: A bright future in a dynamic political landscape. Idaho Law Review, 56(2), 239-250. Web.