Argumentative Essay On The Electoral College

The United States of America is often touted as the guiding beacon of democracy for the entirety of the modern world. In spite of this tremendous responsibility the political system of the United States retains some aspects which upon examination appear to be significantly undemocratic. Perhaps the most perplexing and oft misunderstood of these establishments is the process of electing the president and the institution known as the Electoral College. The puzzle of the Electoral College presents the American people with a unique conundrum as the mark of any true democracy is the citizens’ ability to elect their own ruling officials. Unfortunately, the Electoral College system dilutes this essential capacity by introducing an election by

Understanding these conceivable implications, the Framers sought to minimize the risk that a tyrannical leader rise to power in such a fashion. In spite of this potential danger, the Framers originally intended to give the masses the ability to select those electors who would make the cast the final vote to elect the president. Through this compromise the framers hoped to maintain the most important essence of a democratic society while simultaneously protecting the young nation from the unreliable nature of mob thinking. (Dahl, 75-77) By selecting individuals who were wise, not subject to political vices and incorruptible the Framers hoped to ensure that presidential elections were fair and provided the nation with the best possible chance of electing exceptional

The Electoral College allows a candidate to win the presidency without winning the majority of popular votes. Additionally, the unequal representation created by the number of electors each state has leads to a differential worth depending upon a voter’s state of residency. Moreover, the winner-take-all rule of the results in votes which are essentially rendered worthless if they are contrary the state majority. Finally, the system places much of the focus and power to effect elections in the hands of so called swing states that are not historically aligned with only one party. (Dahl, 80-83) These aspects of the U.S. political system are utterly counterintuitive and stand in stark contrast to many of the cardinal ideals of