Elections and the Constitution

Objectives 

• I can evaluate the role of state governments in our elections. 
• I can understand the role of the Electoral College in electing the president. 

 

Essential Vocabulary   

prescribed

made into law

 

Building Context  

The Constitution established a new governing structure for the United States. The principle of federalism—that the national government and state governments would concurrently hold power—was one of the important foundational principles of the document. The Constitution left a large amount of power to the states for conducting elections.   

Article I Section 4, Clause 1 

Document Text	Notes
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations…

Article II, Section 1 

Document Text

Notes

Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors, equal to the whole Number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States, shall be appointed an Elector. The Electors shall meet in their respective States, and vote by Ballot…And they shall make a List of all the Persons voted for, and of the Number of Votes for each; which List they shall sign and certify, and transmit sealed to the Seat of the Government of the United States

 

Analysis Questions 

• In your own words, what powers do state governments have regarding elections? 
• Congress has the authority to alter election regulations made by states. Why do you think this is important? 
• In your own words, what role does the Constitution give the states in the Electoral College? 
• How does the Electoral College uphold the principle of federalism? Why might this be considered important?