US Electoral College Process

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Questions and Answers

How are the number of electors determined for each state in the U.S. Electoral College?

A fixed number per state, regardless of population.
Two electors for its senators plus the number of representatives in the House, which depends on the state's population. (correct)
One elector for each member of Congress, plus one additional elector.
Based solely on the state's population, with a minimum of three electors per state.

When do the electors of each state cast their votes for President?

After election day, when those electors chosen by the public vote meet. (correct)
On the same day as the general election, alongside the public vote.
On Election Day when the public votes for a presidential candidate.
During the primary election when candidates are chosen within a party.

What is the role of political parties in the Electoral College process prior to election day?

They have no role until after the election results are finalized.
They determine the exact number of electors each state has.
They nominate the individuals who will cast the votes for President in each state.
They choose potential electors who could represent each state. (correct)

What do the votes cast by individuals on Election Day actually determine?

Which set of potential electors will cast the state's electoral votes. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for tallying the electoral votes once they have been cast?

The US Congress. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of electors in the US Presidential election?

To represent the states' interests by casting their votes in the Electoral College. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the US Presidential election, what is the significance of the Electoral College?

It acts as an intermediary allowing states to vote for their chosen candidate instead of the electorate. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is the number of electors for each state determined?

Based on each state's representation in the Senate plus House of Representatives. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical requirement for a presidential candidate to win the presidency according to this information?

Winning the majority of the electoral votes from the Electoral College. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the direct impact if a candidate wins the popular vote in a state, according to this material?

The electors from that state vote on behalf of the candidate who won the popular vote there. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Electoral College?

In the US Presidential Election, the Electoral College is a group of electors representing each state who vote to choose the President and Vice President. These electors are chosen by the popular vote in their respective states.

How many electors are needed to win the Presidency?

Each state has a specific number of electors determined by its population. The total number of electors is 538, and a candidate needs a majority of 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.

How are electoral votes distributed?

The candidate who wins the popular vote in a state typically gets all of that state's electoral votes. This is referred to as a 'winner-take-all' system, with a few exceptions.

Is the popular vote the only deciding factor for the Presidency?

While the popular vote is significant for both candidates, it is only the Electoral College's vote that determines the winner of the presidency, not the direct popular vote nationwide.