Electoral College Reform

The Electoral College system for choosing the United States president has not been updated since the Twelfth Amendment was ratified in 1804, while for decades, public opinion polls have shown that a majority of Americans favor changing or outright abolishing it. Members of Congress repeatedly introduce proposals to amend the system and have submitted hundreds of such bills over the last two centuries, appealing to core political principles such as legitimacy, federalism, checks and balances, representation, and political equality. Meanwhile in the year 2000, the winner of the popular vote-and indeed, arguably the electoral vote as well-was denied the presidency. Why hasn't the United States reformed this system? To address this and other relevant questions, "Electoral College Reform" brings together new essays examining all aspects of this crucial debate, including the reasons for reform, the issues surrounding a constitutional amendment, the effect of the Electoral College on political campaigns and the possibilities for extra-constitutional avenues to change, including state legislatures. The authors consider both the Federalists' vision of balanced representation and what some consider a more democratic and equality-based ideal. These competing frameworks, perhaps more than any other factor, account for centuries of American indecision on this key issue. Offering an unprecedented and carefully researched analysis of an always controversial subject, "Electoral College Reform" also explores the potential for changing the system, which many contend is long overdue.