The Electoral College is a political institution formed by 538 representatives from 50 states and the District of Columbia. These representatives are Electors who are responsible for electing the President. The candidate should receive the majority of 270 votes to win. Thus, to become the President, the candidate should win the popularity in the majority of states to be sure that the Electors representing these states will vote for him (“Electoral College 101”, 2008, p. 6; Levin-Waldman, 2012, p. 174). Thus, the system seems to be rather complicated, and many politicians argue for abolishing the Electoral College.
Discussing the pros and cons associated with the debates on keeping and abolishing the system, it is possible to note that the Electoral College can be kept to predict the problem of “popular despotism” (Bates, 2004). However, it can also be abolished to support the principle of real democracy in elections. Those persons who oppose the further development of the Electoral College propose such reforms to bypass the system as the National Popular Vote Plan. The plan contributes to stating the ideas of democracy and equality because more votes are given to the candidate who can win the national popular vote (Karp & Tolbert, 2010, p. 774).
While evaluating arguments and the proposal to reform the system, it is important to note that the Electoral College’s system should be reformed. It is not appropriate for modern America because this system cannot reflect the visions of the public accurately. Furthermore, the Electoral College contributes more to state the rule of the elite than to developing the presidential leadership because all the candidates’ are oriented to attracting Electors rather than citizens.
Reference List
Bates, N. (2004). What are the arguments made in favor – and against – the Electoral College? Web.
Electoral College 101. (2008). New York Times Upfront, 141(5), 6-7.
Karp, J. A., & Tolbert, C. (2010). Support for nationalizing presidential elections. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 40(4), 771-793.