Social Studies: Elections and the Electoral College
Understanding how presidential elections work in the United States
Social Studies: Elections and the Electoral College
Understanding how presidential elections work in the United States
Social Studies - Grade 6-8
- 1
What is the main purpose of an election in a democracy?
Think about how people participate in choosing government officials.
The main purpose of an election in a democracy is to allow citizens to choose their leaders and have a voice in government decisions. - 2
Who is allowed to vote in United States federal elections today?
In United States federal elections today, citizens who are at least 18 years old and meet voting requirements in their state are allowed to vote. - 3
What is the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College in a presidential election?
One part involves individual voters, and the other involves state electors.
The popular vote is the total number of votes cast by people, while the Electoral College is the system that officially determines the winner of the presidential election through electors from each state. - 4
Why do states have different numbers of electoral votes?
States have different numbers of electoral votes because the number is based on each state's representation in Congress, which depends partly on population. - 5
A candidate wins the popular vote in a state. In most states, what usually happens to that state's electoral votes?
Most states use a winner-take-all system.
In most states, the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state receives all of the state's electoral votes. - 6
How many electoral votes does a candidate need to win the presidency?
A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency. - 7
Why might a candidate win the national popular vote but still lose the presidential election?
Think about which total actually decides the winner.
A candidate might win the national popular vote but still lose the presidential election if the other candidate wins enough states to gain at least 270 electoral votes. - 8
What is a swing state in a presidential election?
A swing state is a state where either major candidate has a realistic chance of winning, so campaigns often focus a lot of attention there. - 9
Why do presidential candidates often spend more time campaigning in swing states than in states that strongly support one party?
Candidates usually focus on places where votes are more competitive.
Presidential candidates often spend more time campaigning in swing states because winning those states can make a big difference in gaining enough electoral votes to win the election. - 10
If a state has 2 senators and 8 representatives, how many electoral votes does it have? Explain your answer.
The state has 10 electoral votes because a state's electoral votes equal its 2 senators plus its number of representatives, which is 8. - 11
Name one advantage and one criticism of the Electoral College.
Think of one reason people support it and one reason people disagree with it.
One advantage of the Electoral College is that it gives states an important role in elections. One criticism is that a candidate can win the presidency without winning the national popular vote. - 12
Why is it important for citizens to stay informed before voting in an election?
It is important for citizens to stay informed before voting so they can understand the candidates, issues, and possible effects of their choices.