Pros And Cons Of The Electoral College

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« The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon. » George Washington declared. Indeed, the United States of America adopted the founding law on June 21, 1788. This Constitution, still enforced today, defines the Federal Republic. It has thus organised a political system which allows States to be quite independent, having many rights and powers, including the making of their own Constitution... The Federal system impacts the way American citizens vote ; the Electoral College results in it. However, according to some people, the Electoral College is an obstacle to freedom of choice and liberty of expression for the electors. Then, in what extend the Electoral College could act as a brake on democracy? On the one hand, the pros Electoral College, as William Kimberling (Deputy Director FEC office of Election Administration), point to that « important political powers are reserved to States » since they are represented « according the size of their population ». Indeed, 574 000 citizens equal one vote[1]. Nevertheless, each state must have at least three votes… In fact, some big states must give votes to little ones. For instance, Ohio has eighteen votes instead of twenty for Rhodes Island to have four[2]… Then, it seems that Electoral College’ members don’t reflect the national popular will. At least, William Kimberling brings into relief that this system « enhances the status of minority interest ». This, however, is different in practise… Hence, territories

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