5.6 Arguments in Favor & Against the Electoral College

Announcements:

FLEXIBLE LEARNING DAY! Please read a few of the articles and/or watch a few of the videos (see below) on keeping or abolishing the Electoral College.

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: What are the arguments for and against the Electoral College?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

The Electoral College

As a continuation of our examination of the Electoral College, today we are going to look at some of the arguments both for and against keeping this system of electing our president.

Read at least four (2 for, 2 against) from the list below and watch several of the videos on the Electoral College.



Articles

The Electoral College is Undemocratic? Of course. That's why it works

You'll hear these four arguments defending the Electoral College. They're wrong.

Getting Rid of the Electoral College isn't Just About Trump

A Case for the Electoral College

The Electoral College is the Worst of Both Worlds

In Defense of the Electoral College

Slate.com: Defending the Electoral College

Ten Reasons Why the Electoral College is a Problem

LA Times: The Founders' Choice: The Electoral College

Politico: Electoral College Keeps Elections Fair

Forbes: It's Time to Abolish the Electoral College



Videos

iCivics: Win the White House

Announcements:

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Question: How does one win the presidency?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

Win the White House
This past week, you read about the early stages of the presidential selection process and how the Electoral College works.

Today, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills as you try to win the presidency in the Electoral College.

iCivics Win the White House: A pretty comprehensive game that takes you through the presidential race. Create an account to be able to save your progress and compete against friends.

• Follow the instructions and try to win the presidency.
• The first (nomination) stage is selecting your candidate, party, and issues. Make sure you understand the positions that your candidate is taking on the issues. It will be important to match them up on the campaign trail and take the correct stand. You will also need to understand them during your debate in the nomination stage.
• The second stage is the general election campaign. You will need to fundraise each round and then use the money for polling, media events, or campaign ads. 
• Make sure to pay attention to polling numbers and momentum. Campaign in the states that you have a chance of winning, but don't neglect the states where you have a lead.
• Good luck! There will be a prize for the student who does the best! Screen shot your final tally and tweet at me your Electoral College victory.

5.5 The Electoral College

Announcements:

Guidance Counselors will be here today to help with registration for next year.

READING: 243-281 in Edwards

Unit Five Identification Terms

Today's Essential Question: How does the Electoral College work (or doesn't work)?

Learning Standards:

PRD-2.B: Explain how the Electoral College impacts democratic participation.
PRD-2.B.1: The winner-take-all allocation of votes per state (except Maine and Nebraska) under the setup of the Electoral College compared with the national popular vote for president raises questions about whether the Electoral College facilitates or impedes democracy.

The Electoral College

The Electoral College is probably the least understood aspect of the American political system and is often criticized for its archaic rules and numerous flaws. Today, you will be examining this process and trying to make sense of how it operates. Please answer these questions using the resources/links below, or others that you find on your own. Your goal is to become an expert on the Electoral College. We will also be evaluating whether or not to keep, modify, or eliminate the Electoral College.



US Archives on Electoral College

How The Electoral College Works

History Channel: Electoral College

US Constitution: Electoral College

Consequences of the Constitutional Convention Compromises

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Homework: Read 46-54 in Edwards (online)

Essential Terms Retake Quiz Thursday before/after school or during 4th study session

Register for the AP Exam: Must be registered and paid for all AP exams by October 1st!
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Learning Objective:
CON-1.C: Explain the ongoing impact of political negotiation and compromise at the Constitutional Convention on the development of the constitutional system.

CON-1.C.3: The compromises necessary to secure ratification of the Constitution left some matters unresolved that continue to generate discussion and debate today.

Consequences of the Constitutional Convention Compromises

As we discussed yesterday, the Constitutional Convention was a series of compromises on issues ranging from equitable representation to how to handle slavery and the selection of the president. Those compromises still carry consequences today on our political system.

Key Question:

1. How do the compromises reached at the Constitutional Convention continue to impact our political system today?

Read and take notes on the following article, Big State, Small State on how the Great Compromise has led to the malapportionment of today's Senate and its impact on federal funding and policies. In your notes, highlight what you consider to be the author's central claim and notate the author's supporting evidence. Include other notes and annotations on questions you have or quotes you think are worth discussing more.

After you read and annotate Big State, Small State, please watch (with your earbuds) the following videos from Khan Academy on the Constitutional Convention and the impact of its compromises.

Finally, evaluate what compromise reached at the Convention, has had the biggest impact on our political system today. Be prepared to discuss and defend your position tomorrow.