Challenges of the Electoral College in Modern American Politics with Paul Savoie

Passing Judgment

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica Levinson is joined by political science and history professor Paul Savoie to break down the intricacies of the US electoral system. They explore the historical roots and ongoing impact of the electoral college, the challenges of polarized politics, and the reliability of modern polling. The conversation examines the potential advantages of reforming the electoral college and delves into the implications for American democracy.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

1️⃣ Framers' Intent and the Electoral College: The framers of the Constitution were cautious about giving voters too much power and thus created a bicameral Congress and the Electoral College. The system was designed to balance public influence with a moderated selection process, initially allowing electors to make independent choices but later tying their votes to state popular votes.

2️⃣ Electoral College Impacts and Controversies: The electoral college has led to significant discussions about its impact on the political landscape, particularly regarding scenarios where candidates can win the popular vote but lose the election.

3️⃣ Student Concerns: Students discuss significant current issues like reproductive rights and the Israel-Hamas conflict, reflecting diverse concerns and single-issue voting tendencies.

Follow Our Host:

@LevinsonJessica