Classroom Resources By Topic

National Elections and the Electoral College

Introduction

Today, the American people vote for president and vice president on the Election Day. But, technically speaking, these votes don’t directly determine the outcome of the election. These popular votes determine which electors will be appointed to the Electoral College—the Electoral College is made up of 538 electors drawn from the states and the District of Columbia. Each state is granted a different number of electoral votes based on the size of its congressional delegation. The electors meet after the general election to cast their votes for president and vice president.

Big Questions

What is the basic constitutional framework for elections in the United States? When do they happen, and why?
What is the Electoral College, and how does it work? Why did the Framers create the Electoral College?
What was the Twelfth Amendment, and how did it alter the original Constitution’s Electoral College system?
How have the states implemented the Electoral College over time?
What has the Supreme Court said about the Electoral College?
What are the modern debates over the Electoral College?
Videos: Recorded Classes

Learning About National Elections with Michael T. Morley
All Ages Session  

Learning About National Elections
Advanced Session 

Learning About National Elections
Introductory Session 

  Download Advanced Level Worksheet >>
(via Google Docs)
Download Intro Level Worksheet >>
(via Google Docs)
Briefing Document

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Slide Deck

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Big Questions

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