American Government American Government and Organizationand Organization

PS1301PS1301

Monday, 2 FebruaryMonday, 2 February

The Republican Primary in 2000The Republican Primary in 2000

Democratic DelegatesDemocratic Delegates

The Democratic Party allots a number of The Democratic Party allots a number of delegates to each state based on population (as delegates to each state based on population (as measured by electoral college votes) and the measured by electoral college votes) and the number of votes the Democratic presidential number of votes the Democratic presidential candidate received in the last general election. candidate received in the last general election. The party assigns states additional delegate The party assigns states additional delegate slots, called "Superdelegates," for Democratic slots, called "Superdelegates," for Democratic elected officials, party leaders and Democratic elected officials, party leaders and Democratic members of Congress. Superdelegates are members of Congress. Superdelegates are included in the totalsincluded in the totalsDelegates needed to win: 2,162Delegates needed to win: 2,162Total Delegates: 4,322 Total Delegates: 4,322

Delegate Selection RulesDelegate Selection Rules

Electoral RulesElectoral Rules

Plurality vs. MajorityPlurality vs. Majority

The Electoral CollegeThe Electoral College

Electing the PresidentElecting the President

Congress chooses the presidentCongress chooses the president

State legislatures choose the presidentState legislatures choose the president

President elected by popular votePresident elected by popular vote

Electoral CollegeElectoral College

How it worksHow it works

Each state was allocated a number of Electors equal to Each state was allocated a number of Electors equal to the number of U.S. Senators (always 2) plus the number the number of U.S. Senators (always 2) plus the number of U.S. Representatives (which changes)of U.S. Representatives (which changes)The manner of choosing the electors was left to the The manner of choosing the electors was left to the individual state legislators. By 1836 all states (except for individual state legislators. By 1836 all states (except for South Carolina) choose electors by popular vote South Carolina) choose electors by popular vote (plurality rules).(plurality rules).The person with a The person with a majoritymajority of electoral votes is elected of electoral votes is elected presidentpresidentIn the event that no candidate wins a majority, the U.S. In the event that no candidate wins a majority, the U.S. House of Representatives would choose from the top House of Representatives would choose from the top five contenders. Each state could cast only one vote. An five contenders. Each state could cast only one vote. An absolute majority is requiredabsolute majority is required

Historical Curiosities

1800 Electors gave both Thomas Jefferson and Aaron 1800 Electors gave both Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr an equal number of votes. The tie was settled by Burr an equal number of votes. The tie was settled by the U.S. House. the U.S. House. Prompted the 12Prompted the 12thth Amendment which requires separate Amendment which requires separate vote for president and vice president (rather than two vote for president and vice president (rather than two votes for president with the runner up as the vice votes for president with the runner up as the vice president)president)1824. No candidate receives a majority. House decides 1824. No candidate receives a majority. House decides John Quincy Adams despite the fact that Andrew John Quincy Adams despite the fact that Andrew Jackson had obtained more electoral votes.Jackson had obtained more electoral votes.1888 Benjamin Harrison defeats Grover Cleveland who 1888 Benjamin Harrison defeats Grover Cleveland who received more votes received more votes

Past ElectionsPast Elections

Link to Link to maps of electoral college results maps of electoral college results (1960-1996)(1960-1996)

2000 Presidential Election2000 Presidential Election

The Florida DisasterThe Florida Disaster

Florida recount (Florida recount (link to Univ. of Chicago studylink to Univ. of Chicago study))

The punch card voting systemThe punch card voting system

Design of the palm beach ballotDesign of the palm beach ballot

The Butterfly BallotThe Butterfly Ballot

Evidence of problems Evidence of problems in Palm Beach in Palm Beach

Reforming the Electoral CollegeReforming the Electoral College

Winner take all (by Congressional District)Winner take all (by Congressional District)

Proportional Allocation of Electors by StateProportional Allocation of Electors by State

Outcomes with Different MethodsOutcomes with Different Methods

Direct Election of the PresidentDirect Election of the President

Runoff ElectionsRunoff Elections

Alternative Vote/Preference VotingAlternative Vote/Preference Voting

Preference VotingPreference Voting

System is used to elect that nation’s House of System is used to elect that nation’s House of Representatives from single member districts.Representatives from single member districts.

Voters rank their first most preferred candidate Voters rank their first most preferred candidate by marking a “1” their second most favored by marking a “1” their second most favored candidate with a “2” etc…candidate with a “2” etc…

Candidate with the fewest first choices is Candidate with the fewest first choices is eliminated and the ballots for those people who eliminated and the ballots for those people who voted for him are examined to see whom they voted for him are examined to see whom they placed second.placed second.

ExampleExample

Candidate ACandidate A Candidate BCandidate B Candidate CCandidate C

First roundFirst round 4141 4343 1515

Second Second roundround

56 (41+15)56 (41+15) 4343 eliminatedeliminated

What would the outcome have What would the outcome have been with Preference Votingbeen with Preference Voting