The Electoral College: Preview Quiz

2. Which state has the most electors?

Vermont

Massachusetts

Texas

Texas has the most electors because it is the second most populous state in the United States, with a large number of congressional districts. The number of electors a state has is determined by the total number of representatives it has in Congress, which includes both senators and members of the House of Representatives. Texas has a total of 38 electoral votes, making it the state with the most electors.

Explanation

Texas has the most electors because it is the second most populous state in the United States, with a large number of congressional districts. The number of electors a state has is determined by the total number of representatives it has in Congress, which includes both senators and members of the House of Representatives. Texas has a total of 38 electoral votes, making it the state with the most electors.

3. Do electors HAVE to pick the President they are told to vote for?

No. They can pick whoever they want, but they almost always go with who they told to vote for.

Yes. They go to jail if they change their vote.

Yes, because they will receive a fine if they don't.

Electors don't vote for the President, silly.

Electors do not have to pick the President they are told to vote for. While they can technically choose whoever they want, they typically align with the candidate they are instructed to vote for by their political party or state. However, there are instances where electors have voted for someone other than the expected candidate, known as "faithless electors." While there may not be legal consequences for deviating from the expected vote, some states have implemented fines or other penalties to discourage faithless electors.

Explanation

Electors do not have to pick the President they are told to vote for. While they can technically choose whoever they want, they typically align with the candidate they are instructed to vote for by their political party or state. However, there are instances where electors have voted for someone other than the expected candidate, known as "faithless electors." While there may not be legal consequences for deviating from the expected vote, some states have implemented fines or other penalties to discourage faithless electors.

4. When you vote for President, who are you voting for?

The person running for office.

Your member of Congress, who will vote for you.

An "elector," who will then vote for the President in December.

Who knows?

When you vote for President, you are actually voting for an "elector" who will then cast their vote for the President in December. This is because of the Electoral College system in the United States, where the President is not directly elected by the popular vote but by electors who are chosen by each state. These electors are typically pledged to vote for the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state. Therefore, your vote for President is essentially a vote for the elector who will represent your state and cast their vote on your behalf in the Electoral College.

Explanation

When you vote for President, you are actually voting for an "elector" who will then cast their vote for the President in December. This is because of the Electoral College system in the United States, where the President is not directly elected by the popular vote but by electors who are chosen by each state. These electors are typically pledged to vote for the candidate who wins the popular vote in their state. Therefore, your vote for President is essentially a vote for the elector who will represent your state and cast their vote on your behalf in the Electoral College.

5. How are the electors divided up?

There is one elector for every 574,000 Americans.

Each state gets the number of electors that it has members of Congress (House and Senate combined)

Electors are divided up evenly by population of the states. That is why California has the msot.

There is no system. They are divided up randomly.

The correct answer is that each state gets the number of electors that it has members of Congress (House and Senate combined). This means that the number of electors a state has is based on its population and representation in Congress. This ensures that more populated states have more electors, while less populated states have fewer electors. This system is designed to give each state a fair representation in the Electoral College.

Explanation

The correct answer is that each state gets the number of electors that it has members of Congress (House and Senate combined). This means that the number of electors a state has is based on its population and representation in Congress. This ensures that more populated states have more electors, while less populated states have fewer electors. This system is designed to give each state a fair representation in the Electoral College.

6. Which Americans do not get to vote for the President?

People living in Washington D.C.

Women

Americans living in other countries

Americans living in the territories, like Guam and Puerto Rico

Americans living in the territories, like Guam and Puerto Rico, do not get to vote for the President. While they are U.S. citizens, they do not have representation in the Electoral College, which is responsible for electing the President. This is because these territories are not considered states and therefore do not have the same voting rights as residents of the 50 states.

Explanation

Americans living in the territories, like Guam and Puerto Rico, do not get to vote for the President. While they are U.S. citizens, they do not have representation in the Electoral College, which is responsible for electing the President. This is because these territories are not considered states and therefore do not have the same voting rights as residents of the 50 states.

7. How many "electors" does one need to win the Presidency?

538

270

100

13,000,000

There are 538 electors total. 270 is the majority needed to win the Presidency.

Explanation

There are 538 electors total. 270 is the majority needed to win the Presidency.