Explain why Stephen A. Douglas who came in second in popular votes, received so frew electoral votes
Election of 1860
In the election of 1860, Stephen A. Douglas, a Democratic candidate, received a significant number of popular votes but only a small number of electoral votes. This discrepancy can be attributed to the unique circumstances of the election and the way the electoral system works.
First, the Democratic Party was deeply divided during the 1860 election. The party split into two factions, with Douglas representing the Northern Democrats and John C. Breckinridge representing the Southern Democrats. This division effectively split the Democratic vote, making it difficult for Douglas to win a large number of electoral votes.
Second, Douglas faced strong competition from other candidates, including Abraham Lincoln of the Republican Party and John Bell of the Constitutional Union Party. These candidates each had their own base of support and were able to secure electoral votes in various states, further diminishing Douglas' chances of winning.
Additionally, the way the electoral system works also played a role in Douglas' limited electoral success. In the Electoral College system, each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes based on its population. The candidate who wins the popular vote in a state generally receives all of its electoral votes. As a result, even if Douglas received a significant portion of the popular vote in some states, he may not have won enough votes to secure their electoral votes.
Overall, the combination of a divided party, strong competition from other candidates, and the workings of the electoral system contributed to Stephen A. Douglas receiving so few electoral votes despite coming in second in popular votes during the election of 1860.