As your readings for this week point out, the President is not elected by a direct vote of the people but rather by the Electoral College. Some argue that this discourages voters from voting if they live in a state that goes for Democrats or Republicans in every election. Voter turnout in "battleground" or "swing" states such as Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania does tend to be higher but there are also reasons for this system.

For this assignment answer the following questions in 3 paragraphs:

How are the number of electoral votes decided for each state? How many electoral votes are in your home state? Which Presidential candidate (Obama or Romney) won your state's electoral votes in the 2012 election?

Briefly explain the "pros and cons" of the electoral system. Why do we have the electoral system? What are some arguments against it?

In a few sentences, explain what you think. Should the U.S. maintain the current Electoral College system, move toward a national popular vote system, or use the "proportional voting" system for the Electoral College used by Maine and Nebraska?