Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one of the main arguments in favor of the Electoral College?
What is one of the main arguments in favor of the Electoral College?
How many times in US history has a candidate won the electoral vote while losing the popular vote?
How many times in US history has a candidate won the electoral vote while losing the popular vote?
When does the new president's term officially begin?
When does the new president's term officially begin?
What typically happens during the transition period after a presidential election?
What typically happens during the transition period after a presidential election?
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What might presidential candidates prioritize if the Electoral College did not exist?
What might presidential candidates prioritize if the Electoral College did not exist?
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What is the minimum number of electoral votes a candidate needs to win the presidency?
What is the minimum number of electoral votes a candidate needs to win the presidency?
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How are electoral votes allocated to each state?
How are electoral votes allocated to each state?
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What happens if a candidate wins the majority of votes in a state with a winner-takes-all system?
What happens if a candidate wins the majority of votes in a state with a winner-takes-all system?
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Which candidate won the presidency in 2000 despite losing the popular vote?
Which candidate won the presidency in 2000 despite losing the popular vote?
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Why do some Americans believe the Electoral College should be abolished?
Why do some Americans believe the Electoral College should be abolished?
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What is a characteristic of smaller states regarding electoral votes?
What is a characteristic of smaller states regarding electoral votes?
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What does the term 'electors' refer to in the context of the Electoral College?
What does the term 'electors' refer to in the context of the Electoral College?
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What is a common effect of the winner-takes-all system in elections?
What is a common effect of the winner-takes-all system in elections?
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Study Notes
US Presidential Election 2024
- Millions of Americans will vote for President on November 5, 2024, choosing between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
- Winning the popular vote is important, but the candidate needs a majority of the electoral votes (270) to win the presidency.
- The Electoral College is a system where voters choose electors who then vote for the president and vice president.
Electoral College System
- Each state gets electoral votes equal to its number of senators (two) plus representatives in the House of Representatives.
- The number of representatives is based on state population; therefore, bigger states have more electoral votes.
- Smaller states have at least three electors.
- There are 538 electoral votes in total.
- A "winner-takes-all" system in most states means the candidate with the most votes in the state receives all of that state's electoral votes.
Electoral College Controversy
- Critics argue the Electoral College doesn't ensure victory for the candidate preferred by most of the country and discourages voting in states that strongly favor one party.
- Supporters argue the system ensures representation for people in less populated areas and forces candidates to consider all parts of the country.
- Candidates have won the presidency without winning the popular vote in five instances.
Election Process and Transition
- The winner is typically announced on election night unless the race is extremely close.
- The transition period follows the election, where the new president selects their team and prepares for their term.
- The new president's term starts after the inauguration ceremony, usually on January 20th of the following year.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the upcoming US Presidential Election in 2024. This quiz covers key topics such as the Electoral College, popular vote significance, and the candidates vying for the presidency. Understand the intricacies of how electoral votes are allocated and the controversies surrounding the system.
