Role of the Electoral College
Examine fundamental political processes, institutions, actors and ideas (CLO 1)
Critically evaluate major arguments in the discipline. (CLO 2)
Effectively debate major arguments in both oral and written forms. (CLO 3)
Perceive how factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, class, and region influence political narratives. (CLO 4)
Analyze major political events and historical political figures. (CLO 5)
Printable Directions for this Assignment (PDF)- Alternative Formats
Steps for Completing the TaskSteps for Completing the Task
Step 1: Research
Read about the Electoral College in the textbook (Chapter 7, pages 266 – 268).
Watch the following videos:
Federalist Paper #68 Explained
How the Electoral College Works
The Trouble with the Electoral College
Read the following article from the Issues & Controversies database
(you might be prompted for your TCC login to access the article)
Electoral College: Should the United States continue to use the Electoral College in presidential elections?
Note Taking Tip: Take notes as you read. Since you know you are reading about two sides of issue, one way to take notes is to have a page for the “for” side and a page for the “against” side. As you read, you can make note of unique perspectives, facts, and/or events that each side uses for evidence to support their viewpoint.
Step 2: Analyze and Evaluate
Consider both sides of the argument. What evidence was effective for supporting the Electoral College? What evidence was effective for abolishing the Electoral College?
Based on the information you studied, how would you respond to the following questions?
What are the arguments in support of the Electoral College (or why should we keep the Electoral College – what are the benefits?)?
What are the arguments against the Electoral College (or why should we abolish the Electoral College?
Do you support or oppose the Electoral College? Why? What are the implications for voters either way?
Step 3: Analyze and Explain
3. Write a 150-250 word paragraph explain your reasoning regarding your stance on the Electoral College.
Use evidence from the reading to explain the reasoning on your perspective.
Acknowledge valid arguments (points) from both sides
Write your paragraph on a Word document. Save the document to your computer as a back-up copy.
Refresher: How to Write an Argument Paragraph
Writing paragraphs for political science papers is just like writing paragraphs for an English essay. Political science professors expect well-developed, evidence-based information in their paragraphs and papers, too.
Complete this short online refresher on how to write an argument paragraph.
Step 4: The Discussion
Post your paragraph in the Unit 2: Electoral College discussion forum.
Copy your paragraph from your Word document and paste in the discussion forum.
Respond to a minimum of two classmates
Respond to someone who shares the same perspective as you do.
Respond to someone who has a different perspective than you do.
Your responses should be 50 to 100 words.
Provide a thoughtful response – analyze and evaluate their points and provide additional support or counter arguments from the readings.
