When it comes to the
topic of the Electoral College, most of us will readily agree that this system
has been functioning in our country for many years. Where this agreement
usually ends, however, is on the question of whether the Electoral College is a
fair way to represent the population’s vote. Whereas some are convinced that
the popular vote is how our president should be elected, others maintain that the
Electoral College is the best way to represent the country. Given the diversity
of the population within our country we must have a way to regulate the popular
vote in these areas so that one region does not completely dominate the
election. In order to prevent this from occurring the Electoral College is
necessary.
Back in November around election time, we heard on the news about how the presidential candidates were working their way across the country trying to win votes from various states. According to Steinberg, in “The Pros and Cons of the Electoral College,” that “Without the Electoral College, candidates would be encouraged to treat the country as a whole, and campaign through the national media, or in urban centers where the most people are concentrated. They would never spend time in a place like Ohio, where an evenly divided population means its electoral votes are up for grabs” (Steinberg 3). It is crucial that the presidential candidates continue to campaign across the nation not only so citizens feel like they are involved and that their vote is significant, but also to assure the citizens that they are the best candidate and that they do care about their needs.
Another benefit of the Electoral College, is that in a tight presidential election the Electoral College can give the illusion that the majority of the population voted for the winning candidate. Steinberg states that, “A candidate who only wins by a tiny percentage of the popular vote can still have a considerable victory in the Electoral College” (Steinberg 3). One major benefit of this is due to the Electoral College’s decision Americans will have more faith in their President because they feel as though an unanimous decision has been made.
Back in November around election time, we heard on the news about how the presidential candidates were working their way across the country trying to win votes from various states. According to Steinberg, in “The Pros and Cons of the Electoral College,” that “Without the Electoral College, candidates would be encouraged to treat the country as a whole, and campaign through the national media, or in urban centers where the most people are concentrated. They would never spend time in a place like Ohio, where an evenly divided population means its electoral votes are up for grabs” (Steinberg 3). It is crucial that the presidential candidates continue to campaign across the nation not only so citizens feel like they are involved and that their vote is significant, but also to assure the citizens that they are the best candidate and that they do care about their needs.
Another benefit of the Electoral College, is that in a tight presidential election the Electoral College can give the illusion that the majority of the population voted for the winning candidate. Steinberg states that, “A candidate who only wins by a tiny percentage of the popular vote can still have a considerable victory in the Electoral College” (Steinberg 3). One major benefit of this is due to the Electoral College’s decision Americans will have more faith in their President because they feel as though an unanimous decision has been made.
The treatment of ethnic
minorities was a major topic during the 2012 election. This became a topic due
to the rapid increase of minorities in the United States. The Electoral College
leads the presidential candidates to be more concerned with the minorities
needs because they (minorities) have a say in the election. States with the
most electoral votes also have a high rate of minorities. As Kimberling
acknowledges in “The Pro’s and Con’s of the Electoral College System,” A
beneficial result in elections is that they “enhance the status of minority
groups” (Kimberling 6). It is important for everyone to have a say in how our
country is run.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/politics/2012_Electoral_College_Map_Poster_Large.jpeg
http://blogs.suntimes.com/politics/2012_Electoral_College_Map_Poster_Large.jpeg
Works Cited:
1.
Kimberling, William C. The Pro's and
Con's of the Electoral College System. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Mar. 2013.
2.
Steinberg, Neil. "The Pros and Cons
of the Electoral College." Chicago Sun Times 6 Nov. 2012.
Web. 23 Mar. 2013
(Central Argument 517)
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