W3

Prepare: Prior to beginning work on this discussion question, read Chapters 5 and 6 in American Government and review Week Three Instructor Guidance. In addition, read the following articles: What Are the Arguments Made in Favor – and Against – the Electoral College?, GOP Leaders United in Defense of the Electoral College, and the ProQuest article Why the Electoral College is Bad for America.

http://humanevents.com/2011/05/18/gop-leaders-united-in-defense-of-electoral-college/

http://search.proquest.com.proxy-library.ashford.edu/docview/215688251?accountid=32521

http://historynewsnetwork.org/article/8163

Reflect: As the textbook author asserts, the Framers intentionally designed a process for selecting presidents that would minimize the president’s political power – the Electoral College. They hoped this institution would insulate the chief executive from the public because they feared the power of presidents who might be elected by the people. However, the Electoral College has also spawned a long ongoing debate about whether the Electoral College should be abandoned in favor of new methods, which would ensure that the candidate elected has the most popular votes. The controversy over the Electoral College must be understood in order to better understand how and why U.S. presidents are elected. After you have read and studied the Electoral College process, you will critically think about the process and share your insights as you write your discussion.

Write: Explain the positive impact of the Electoral College and defend why the Electoral College should remain as it is currently. Be sure to include both the pros and the cons of keeping the Electoral College as it is currently.

First, all students should summarize how the Electoral College functions.

Second, each student will focus on a specific argument regarding the Electoral College, based on the first letter of their last name.