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Why the Electoral College Is Bad for America
278 pages, 2005
The electoral college is the system through which Americans pick their president. It is a complicated system that can elect a candidate who does not earn the most votes. In this fascinating book, George Edwards III argues that there can be no legitimate rationale for a system that may defy majority rule.
He uses data to show that the electoral college fails to defend the interests of small states or racial minorities, fails to provide presidents with viable coalitions for governing, and fails to shield American democracy from the supposed evils of direct presidential elections.
In truth, he argues, the electoral college distorts presidential campaigns by encouraging third parties to field presidential candidates and discouraging party rivalry in many states, causing candidates to overlook most small and some major states and pay little attention to minorities.
George C. Edwards III argues that the Electoral College is fundamentally undemocratic. He points out that it allows for the possibility of a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote. This means that the will of the majority is not always represented, which is a key principle of democracy.
Edwards challenges the idea that the Electoral College ensures a broad, national mandate. He shows that candidates can win the presidency by targeting a small number of swing states, ignoring the rest of the country. This means that the president may not truly represent the entire nation.
The book explores how the Electoral College can lead to political instability. For example, if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the decision goes to the House of Representatives. This can lead to uncertainty and potential political chaos.
Edwards suggests that the Electoral College discourages voter participation. Because only a few states are competitive, voters in non-competitive states may feel their vote doesn't matter. This can lead to lower voter turnout and a less engaged electorate.
Finally, the author doesn't just criticize the Electoral College, he also offers solutions. He discusses various reform options, such as a national popular vote or proportional allocation of electoral votes. If you're interested in how American democracy can be improved, you'll want to check out these suggestions.
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