the Electoral College makes sure that the states count in presidential elections. As
such, it is an important part of our federalist system—a system worth preserving.
Historically, federalism [the combination of a central government with some authority
given to state and local governments] is central to our grand constitutional effort to
restrain power.Source: Mitch McConnell, from the introduction to Securing Democracy: Why We Have an Electoral College, edited by Gary L. Gregg II, 2008. Is the Electoral College method of presidential selection the easiest to understand or
the most efficient in its execution? No. But our system is not designed to be simple
and efficient. It is designed to promote good government and legislation that forwards
the common good of a large and diverse nation. For two centuries it has done a pretty
good job at that. Every day when I walk into my Senate office, I am thankful for the
complexities and inefficiencies that have contributed to the freedom and prosperity we
know in America. Though it may never have functioned as intended, the Electoral
College has been the linchpin of American political prosperity. It has formed our
political parties, moderated our more extreme elements, and forged the presidential
campaigns that have given direction to our ship of state.Document Analysis
1. Does John Samples believe that government power should be increased or limited?
2. Samples says that the Electoral College helps preserve the federalist structure of our government.
What is a federalist structure? In Samples’s view, how does the Electoral College help preserve it?
3. Why does Mitch McConnell believe the inefficiency of elections is actually a positive thing?
4. Compare and contrast Samples’s and McConnell’s views about the Electoral College.
5. How could this document help you argue for keeping the Electoral College?
Answer each questions using the passage and use simple words to understand.
1. Based on the passage, it is not explicitly stated what John Samples believes about government power.
2. A federalist structure refers to a system of government where power is divided between a central government and regional or local governments. In Samples' view, the Electoral College helps preserve this federalist structure by ensuring that states have a say in presidential elections, rather than just the popular vote determining the outcome. This allows for the consideration of different perspectives and interests across the nation.
3. Mitch McConnell believes that the inefficiency of elections is actually a positive thing because it promotes good government and legislation that benefits the common good of a large and diverse nation. The complexities and inefficiencies of the Electoral College have contributed to the freedom and prosperity in America, according to McConnell.
4. Samples and McConnell share the view that the Electoral College helps preserve the federalist structure of the government. However, Samples does not explicitly express a view on the efficiency or simplicity of the Electoral College, while McConnell acknowledges that it may not be the easiest method to understand or the most efficient in execution. Samples focuses on the importance of dividing power between the central government and state/local governments, while McConnell emphasizes the positive outcomes that have been achieved through the Electoral College.
5. This document could help argue for keeping the Electoral College by highlighting its role in preserving the federalist structure of the government, preventing a concentration of power in a central government, and promoting legislation that benefits the common good of the nation. Additionally, McConnell's perspective on the complexities and inefficiencies contributing to the freedom and prosperity of America could be used to argue that the Electoral College, despite its flaws, has fulfilled its purpose effectively for two centuries.