The Electoral College Argument, Politics and Social Media
Respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:
• Option 1: List the ways in which contemporary presidential campaigns have used social media as a campaign tool. Do you consider social media as a successful tool? Explain your answer. Do you see social media as an unsuccessful tool? Explain your answer and provide examples.
• Option 2: There are numerous discussions involving the Electoral College. There are some people that want to abolish the electoral college while others want to keep it. What do you think? Keep the electoral college or abolish it? Explain the reasons for your choice.
Sample Solution
Option 2: Abolish the Electoral College The Electoral College has been a controversial topic in American politics since it was established in 1787. Some believe that it is a necessary element of our political system, while others view it as an outdated institution which needs to be abolished. I believe that the US should abolish the Electoral College and move towards a system of direct democracy which would give citizens more voice in their government and encourage greater civic engagement.
The most commonly cited argument for keeping the Electoral College is that it ensures all states are represented proportionally by population when electing presidents. However, this argument overlooks several fundamental flaws inherent in this system. For example, smaller states tend to get disproportionately higher representation because they receive two additional votes (one for each Senator). This means that some citizens have more influence over presidential elections than others, thus creating an inequitable voting landscape. Additionally, presidential candidates can largely ignore any states with populations under 5 million people in favor of large swing states like Florida or Ohio without consequence due to the disproportionate amount of power these larger states wield during presidential elections. This creates a situation where certain regions are unrepresented or ignored during campaigns and results in voter disenfranchisement across many parts of America such as rural communities or inner cities with significant minority populations – both of whom have important issues which need attention from politicians but may receive limited focus based on their lack of electoral value for candidates.
A further problem posed by the current system is its potential for manipulation through gerrymandering and other forms voter suppression tactics employed by state governments which violate constitutional amendments regarding equal protection under law . These practices could potentially undermine entire election cycles if used tactically by powerful partisan interests; especially given that only five out of 58 US Presidential Elections since 1804 have resulted in popular vote victories different than those determined by elector counts (CNN). Moreover, even if no overt violations occur at polling sites there is still immense pressure upon individual electors to not cast ballots against their party’s nominee despite how primary voters chose them—which makes elected officials increasingly beholden to special interest groups rather than constituents who elected them themselves (NBC News).
In contrast, direct democracy would eliminate much of these problems while adding important benefits such as increased transparency throughout campaigns and removing economic advantages enjoyed by wealthy donors who donate large sums money directly or indirectly via Super PACs (Free Press). It would also allow ordinary Americans who cannot afford time off work to go door-to-door canvassing for candidates or attend campaign events during working hours—thus increasing public participation during election season beyond traditional platforms like television commercials or radio spots funded primarily by well heeled donors whose monies can drown out grassroots support from everyday citizens . Finally , abolishing the electoral college will help improve disheartening low voter turnout rates seen across recent cycles since individuals will be able recognize clear paths forward on issues affecting them regardless who wins due increased involvement on behalf representatives closer home which affect local jurisdictions directly .
Overall , replacing electoral college with direct democracy will result fairer outcomes based upon popular opinions held across American society - instead favoring select few connected high profile political families & donor networks on national scale . Ultimately , implementing democratic reforms within United States federal system sets precedence international arena show world true meaning representative rule & create future filled hope opportunity all individuals regardless socio-economic background race ethnicity gender orientation citizenship status etcetera .