How the Electoral College adds up flashcards

What is the Electoral College?

A body of electors established by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President.

How many electoral votes are needed to win?

A candidate needs a majority of 270 out of 538 electoral votes to win.

True or false: Every state has the same number of electoral votes.

False, because electoral votes are based on each state's population and congressional representation.

Difference between popular vote and electoral vote.

The popular vote is the total votes cast by citizens, while electoral votes are allocated based on state results.

How are electoral votes allocated?

Electoral votes are distributed based on each state's population and number of senators and representatives.

What happens if no candidate gets 270 electoral votes?

The election is decided by the House of Representatives, with each state casting one vote.

What is a winner-takes-all system?

Most states give all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state.

Fill in the blank: California has _____ electoral votes.

55 electoral votes, the highest of any state.

What is the total number of electoral votes?

There are 538 total electoral votes in the Electoral College.

True or false: All states use a proportional allocation of electoral votes.

False, because most states use a winner-takes-all system.

What is the significance of swing states?

Swing states can vote for either major party, making them crucial in elections.

What are faithless electors?

Electors who do not vote for the candidate they pledged to support.

True or false: The Electoral College is mentioned in the Constitution.

True, it is outlined in Article II of the U.S. Constitution.

How does the census affect the Electoral College?

Census results can change the number of electoral votes each state gets based on population shifts.

What is the main criticism of the Electoral College?

It can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.

Difference between the House and Senate electors.

House electors represent population (based on districts), while Senate electors are fixed at two per state.

What is an electoral vote?

A vote cast by an elector in the Electoral College for President or Vice President.

Fill in the blank: Texas has _____ electoral votes.

38 electoral votes, second most after California.