Teacher Supports for The Electoral College Case Study

Supplemental Links

• Educator resource on the Electoral College
• Homework Help video on the Electoral College.
  • The video explains the origins and functions of the Electoral College.
• E-Lesson on the Electoral College
  • This lesson explores fundamental questions and asks students to debate the pros and cons of keeping the Electoral College.

Sample Questions to use with Discussion Protocols

• You may use the following questions when discussing case studies with your students. Here are suggestions on how to lead discussions in your classroom: Discussion Protocols
• Historical Context
  • What was the original system for casting electoral votes as established by the Constitution? How did the election of 1800 reveal flaws in this system?
  • Discuss the significance of the Twelfth Amendment. How did it change the process for electors casting their votes
  • Why was the election of 1824 controversial? What accusations were made by Andrew Jackson regarding the outcome?
  • Describe the controversy surrounding the election of 2000. How did the Supreme Court decision in Bush v. Gore (2000) affect the final outcome?
• Founding Principles Analysis
  • Facilitation Note: Use the definitions of the Founding principles found in our Founding Principles documentation.
    • The Founders emphasized the importance of ensuring that a diversity of interests, viewpoints, and opinions from across the country was represented in the national government. This is part of the reason why they designed Congress as a bicameral legislature. To what extent does the Electoral College further help to ensure this goal?
    • How does the Electoral College embody federalism by protecting the interests of smaller states and ensuring they have a voice in presidential elections?
    • How does the Electoral College uphold the idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed?