Lesson 50 of 84 · Government Systems
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareThe Electoral College
The Electoral College is a unique system established by the Constitution for electing the President of the United States.
🎯 Your mission
Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.
⚡ The twist
A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Women in New Zealand could vote 27 years before women in the US.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
The Electoral College is a unique system established by the Constitution for electing the President of the United States. Instead of a direct popular vote, citizens cast their votes for a slate of electors pledged to vote for their chosen candidate. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its population, and a total of 538 electors exist nationwide. To win the presidency, a candidate must receive a majority of electoral votes, which currently stands at 270. This system has sparked debate over its effectiveness and fairness, especially in elections where the popular vote and electoral vote differ.
Key Facts
The Electoral College consists of 538 electors.
A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Citizens vote for electors, not directly for the president.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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