Should The Electoral College Be Abolished DBQ Answers

One difficult topic has remained at the forefront of national discussions in the ever-changing field of American politics: the Electoral College. The argument over whether the Electoral College should be eliminated has gathered traction as our democracy struggles with issues of fairness and representation. This DBQ (Document-Based Question) investigates this crucial subject, taking conclusions from historical records, professional judgments, and public dialogue to clarify the intricate debates surrounding this matter. We intend to give you a well-rounded perspective by exploring the past and examining the present so that you can decide for yourself whether the Electoral College, a crucial component of our electoral system, should endure or give way to alternative methods of choosing our country’s leaders.

Should The Electoral College Be Abolished DBQ Answers

YES, The Electoral College is a very unfair system, making it easy for any candidate to win if they receive the most votes and determine the number of electors. The Electoral College should be abolished because it is undemocratic, overrepresents small states, and harms third parties.

History of the Electoral College

The American electoral system’s core component, the Electoral College, has its roots in the US Constitution. During the 1787 Constitutional Convention, the Constitution’s framers developed this framework. The Electoral College was created as a compromise between those who wanted to safeguard the interests of minor states and those who supported the direct election of the president.

The Federalist Papers, written by the Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, outlined their goals for the Electoral College. They contended that it would ensure that the President was chosen by a body of electors rather than by a popular vote, acting as a safeguard against the possible tyranny of the majority. Given that each state’s representation in the Electoral College is determined by the sum of its congressional representatives and senators, this approach was considered as a way to equalize the power between larger and smaller states.

The Electoral College has come under fire and stirred up controversy over the years. It can result in situations where a candidate can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote, as was the case in the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections, which some claim weakens the idea of one person, one vote. This has sparked ongoing discussions regarding its fairness and compliance with the ideals of a contemporary democracy.

2. Document Evaluation

1. The Federalist Papers (1787–1788) is the first document:

This text, which was written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, explains the justification for the establishment of the Electoral College. It highlights the Founders’ worries about the possible risks of direct democracy and the necessity of using a third party to choose the President. Particularly Hamilton makes the case that the Electoral College would act as a safeguard against the fervor and ignorance of the masses.

2. Anti-Federalist Arguments, Document 2 (1787–1788)

The alternative viewpoint is presented in this document. The Electoral College was criticized by anti-federalists as an elite and undemocratic regime. They worried that it might result in a few wealthy individuals having more influence over the presidency than the broader public. These arguments pose significant queries concerning the goals that drove the establishment of the Electoral College.

3. The 1824 Presidential Election Document

This historical instance highlights the Electoral College’s possible drawbacks. Andrew Jackson won the popular vote in the 1824 election, but John Quincy Adams won the presidency thanks to the Electoral College. The Electoral College system’s legitimacy and impartiality are highlighted in this document.

4. 2004 Presidential Election Document

An illustration of the contentious impact of the Electoral College in modern times is the 2000 presidential contest between George W. Bush and Al Gore. The document illustrates the disputed Florida recount and the Supreme Court’s ruling in response, highlighting possible problems with the Electoral College, particularly in hotly contested elections.

5.  Current Defenses

This essay discusses current arguments in favor of and against abolishing the electoral college. While proponents of abolition claim that it protects the interests of smaller states and promotes political stability, opponents contend that it violates the idea of one person, one vote.
The goals behind the establishment of the Electoral College and the arguments that have surrounded it over time can be understood by examining these historical sources. These viewpoints serve as the foundation for a thoughtful analysis of whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated in the context of contemporary American democracy.

Arguments Against Getting Rid Of The Electoral College

1. One Person, One Vote

Those who are opposed to the Electoral College claim that it violates the fundamental democratic tenet of “one person, one vote.” They argue that each citizen’s vote should count equally, regardless of where they live. The results of presidential elections are currently disproportionately influenced by voters in smaller states.

2. Winner-Takes-All System

The “winner-takes-all” system used by the majority of states can cause voters in non-competitive states to be marginalized. Some contend that voters believe their voices are not heard and their votes do not matter in places where the outcome is virtually decided.

3.  Focus on Swing States

While mostly ignoring non-swing states, presidential campaigns frequently focus their resources on a small number of swing states where the outcome is unpredictable. As a result, policies may be created that largely serve the needs of certain swing states, causing others to feel left out.

4. Complexity and Misunderstanding

The electoral college system is sometimes seen as being complicated and hard to comprehend by the common person. Critics contend that a more straightforward, direct form of popular vote would be more transparent and facilitate voter participation.

Arguments in Support of Maintaining the Electoral College

1. Protection of Smaller States

The Electoral College was established in part to safeguard the interests of smaller states. Without it, candidates might only pay attention to densely populated urban areas while ignoring the issues in less populous rural areas. The Electoral College makes sure that candidates must win over a wider demographic of voters.

2. Preservation of Federalism

The United States’ federal structure is reflected in the Electoral College. By combining the number of senators and representatives, it gives electoral votes to states depending on their representation in Congress. The federalist system of governance, in which states play a big part in the presidential election process, is kept in check by this equilibrium.

3. Historical Continuity

Elections in America have included the Electoral College ever since the nation’s establishment. For its historical relevance and continuity in the American political system, proponents contend that it is a tried-and-true institution that ought to be retained.

4. Potential for Runoff Elections

The House of Representatives decides the election if no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538). As a candidate must receive widespread support from states, this can act as a check against radical or unfit candidates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate over whether or not to do away with the Electoral College goes beyond simple political hyperbole. This DBQ has shown that the Electoral College raises legitimate issues about representation, justice, and the integrity of our democratic process even though it is established in our country’s past. We have learned a lot about the nuances surrounding this subject by carefully examining historical records, perceptive commentary, and the viewpoints of numerous parties. We must carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of the Electoral College system in the context of our contemporary society, informed by history and guided by the principles of democracy. The fate of this vital component of our democratic system will ultimately be decided by the American people and their representatives.