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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Why do we use the Electoral College?
I don't get it...
I read up on it and I understand the process originated with the constitution, but why?
Wouldn't a simple, popular vote be considered more of a true democracy?
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Posted 11/5/08 2:57 PM  |
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Kara
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Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
The historical why? It was rooted in necessity and also in federalism. Currently, I think it's rooted mainly in federalism but tradition probably plays a role, too.
When we first started voting for President in this country, we didn't have national newspapers or televisions or telephones. People in most areas did not have the ability to know what was going on in Washington quickly, nor did their lifestyles leave them the leisure time to follow politics most closely. Instead of voting directly for President, the system was set up so that people would vote for electors from their area whom they trusted to cast the ballot for the best candidates. When you vote, you're voting for "Electors for Barack Obama" or "Electors for John McCain" not directly for that person. This was supposed to (at the time) help ensure that a properly qualified candidate was chosen by informed people. This concept evolved over time to the modern electoral college.
I personally believe it's been carried through because of our deep tradition of federalism in this country.
ETA link to more information
Message edited 11/5/2008 3:06:34 PM.
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| Posted 11/5/08 3:01 PM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Posted by Kara
When we first started voting for President in this country, we didn't have national newspapers or televisions or telephones. People in most areas did not have the ability to know what was going on in Washington quickly, nor did their lifestyles leave them the leisure time to follow politics most closely. Instead of voting directly for President, people would vote for electors from their area whom they trusted to cast the ballot for the best candidates.
That is the answer I was looking for. Thanks 
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| Posted 11/5/08 3:04 PM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Also the average American was a semi-literate farmer without formal education. George Washington actually did not trust the election process to be left in the hands of average citizens.
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| Posted 11/5/08 4:10 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Also the average American was a semi-literate farmer without formal education. George Washington actually did not trust the election process to be left in the hands of average citizens.
Yes! Also a great point.
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| Posted 11/5/08 4:22 PM |
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Gatsbygirl
Please St. Therese....
Member since 10/07 8494 total posts
Name:
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Posted by Kara
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Also the average American was a semi-literate farmer without formal education. George Washington actually did not trust the election process to be left in the hands of average citizens.
Yes! Also a great point.
Thanks! I'm a history teacher 
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| Posted 11/5/08 4:40 PM |
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eroxgirl
My Loves
Member since 5/05 15697 total posts
Name:
Rebecca
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Also the average American was a semi-literate farmer without formal education. George Washington actually did not trust the election process to be left in the hands of average citizens.
That's the only part I ever remember. It's the cynic in me.
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| Posted 11/5/08 4:41 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
I see it also as a state's rights thing...we have evolved into such a centralized government, but if you think of the US like the European Union and each state like a European country, it makes sense that each state chooses who they want to lead the union of states.
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| Posted 11/5/08 7:13 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Why do we use the Electoral College?
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Posted by Kara
Posted by Gatsbygirl
Also the average American was a semi-literate farmer without formal education. George Washington actually did not trust the election process to be left in the hands of average citizens.
Yes! Also a great point.
Thanks! I'm a history teacher
 I should have waited and let you explain it... Since I left out the most important point that you mentioned. (Clearly I'm not a history teacher! LOL)
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| Posted 11/5/08 7:17 PM |
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