The Electoral College Isn't Democratic Because We Are Not A Democracy
Start writing a post
Politics

The Electoral College Isn't Democratic Because We Are Not A Democracy

The "democratic" in our title is an adjective.

777
The Electoral College Isn't Democratic Because We Are Not A Democracy
Tech Crunch

After the results of this year's election, our electoral system has once again been put under scrutiny and criticism. The opposition to the current voting system is often voiced by the "losing" side in an election. Just as often, the opponents of our electoral college don't understand that we are not a pure democracy. As of writing this article, Hillary Clinton leads against Donald Trump by 1.7 million in the popular vote. In a pure democracy, she would have won, but we are not a pure democracy. We are a democratic republic.

The electoral college was put into place for multiple reasons. One of the biggest reasons is equal representation. In a presidential election, each state gets at least three electors, a minimum for one representative and two senators. The states who have a high population get more representatives and thus more electors for the electoral college. This forces candidates to not only focus on the big states, but also the smaller and swing states. Without the electoral college, large and highly popular states would dominate an election. The smaller states would be ignored and ultimately not have their voices represented. That's what happens under a pure democracy-- the majority rules completely.

The electoral college also encourages coalition building. One has to find a way to appeal to voters in the South and the Midwest or Hawaii and Maine. This forces candidates to have more than just regional appeal in order to win an election. Once again, unlike in a pure democracy, everyone's voices and concerns would be heard and compromises and promises would have to be made.

This also streamlines the election cycle. No, the majority did not vote for Hillary, nor did the majority vote for Trump. Neither candidate won more than 50% of the popular vote. Instead, we go by the electoral college were a clear majority can be easily decided. Trump received 47% of the popular vote and Hillary won 48% of it so far. She is leading by 1.7 million, but that is only 1.6% higher than Trump and even less of the whole voter turnout, which was approximately 135 million. It's not a strong lead nor a majority. Run-off elections for ones as large as the presidential election would be astronomically hard to organize and execute. That would leave more room for less voter turnout and more illegitimate voting.

So when it comes to presidential elections, we are not a pure democracy. However, state and local elections are majority rules. That's where it really matters. We are a democratic republic for this reason. We have states' rights and laws. This is where your voice is not only heard, but amplified. Your state, county, and city are not completely controlled by those wearing suits in Washington D.C. We are a republic of states where the state government is separate from the federal government. Thus, we have to have separate types of elections for each office.


Next time you think your voice isn't heard in the results of an electoral college, think of where your voice needs to be really heard. If you only vote during the presidential election for the president, your voice won't be heard. Vote in all the elections that you can and participate in the democratic republic system. Make your voice heard where it counts. Demanding a popular vote for a national election will drown out your voice. The majority will rule then fall then rule. It's an unhealthy cycle, and our current system curbs it more than a popular vote would.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

47822
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30310
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954334
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

172545
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments