Free Essays on The Electoral College

A major conflict concerning the electoral college lingers in America. The Constitutional Convention created the college in 1789 in hopes that it would be an adequate system (MacBride 29). The electoral college consists of senators and representatives who cast their votes for the state they represent. Those who feel that the college should remain as it is believe that the American people are too uninformed about election issues to vote. The argument for the modification of the college maintains that the people are not actually electing the president, but the larger states are. Ultimately, the majority of the United States citizens support the elimination of an electoral college that serves no purpose in the government. The argument in favor of the continuation of the electoral college holds that it represents an effective institution. First, the format of the college demonstrates its validity. The amount of electoral votes awarded to each state, extremely critical in elections, remains decided by the number of senators and representatives in Congress (Polsby 45). Many politicians find the existing system extremely efficient because they feel the electors well represent their constituents (Best 52). In addition, the electoral college’s ability to efficiently serve its purpose provides a reason for its long existence. â€Å"An electoral system should produce a definite, accepted winner and avoid prolonged contests and disputes that create uncertainty and public turmoil† (Best 210). Moreover, never in the history of the electoral college has a controversy developed in which the college rejected â€Å"an individual who had an undisputed majority of the popular vote† (Best 52). Most importantly, those who agree with preserving the electoral college believe that election by popular vote, the alternative to the college, would create numerous deficiencies in the system. Election by direct popular vote would be â€Å"hazard... Free Essays on The Electoral College Free Essays on The Electoral College A major conflict concerning the electoral college lingers in America. The Constitutional Convention created the college in 1789 in hopes that it would be an adequate system (MacBride 29). The electoral college consists of senators and representatives who cast their votes for the state they represent. Those who feel that the college should remain as it is believe that the American people are too uninformed about election issues to vote. The argument for the modification of the college maintains that the people are not actually electing the president, but the larger states are. Ultimately, the majority of the United States citizens support the elimination of an electoral college that serves no purpose in the government. The argument in favor of the continuation of the electoral college holds that it represents an effective institution. First, the format of the college demonstrates its validity. The amount of electoral votes awarded to each state, extremely critical in elections, remains decided by the number of senators and representatives in Congress (Polsby 45). Many politicians find the existing system extremely efficient because they feel the electors well represent their constituents (Best 52). In addition, the electoral college’s ability to efficiently serve its purpose provides a reason for its long existence. â€Å"An electoral system should produce a definite, accepted winner and avoid prolonged contests and disputes that create uncertainty and public turmoil† (Best 210). Moreover, never in the history of the electoral college has a controversy developed in which the college rejected â€Å"an individual who had an undisputed majority of the popular vote† (Best 52). Most importantly, those who agree with preserving the electoral college believe that election by popular vote, the alternative to the college, would create numerous deficiencies in the system. Election by direct popular vote would be â€Å"hazard...