Lesson 82 of 84 · Government Systems
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareThe Electoral College
The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States for electing the President and Vice President.
🎯 Your mission
Spot the fair part. Spot the unfair part.
⚡ The twist
Laws change. Power changes who gets to change them.
Mind = Blown
🤯 In ancient Athens, 'democracy' only included about 10% of the people.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States for electing the President and Vice President. Established by the Constitution, the Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with each state allocated a certain number based on its population and representation in Congress. When citizens cast their votes for President, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to that candidate. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to win the presidency. Critics argue that the Electoral College can lead to scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the popular vote, raising questions about the fairness and effectiveness of the system.
Key Facts
The Electoral College consists of 538 electors.
A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Some critics argue the system can lead to a candidate winning without the popular vote.
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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