Lesson 18 of 84 · Government Systems
⭐ 30 XP🏛️ Civic SquareThe Electoral College
The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States for electing the President and Vice President.
🎯 Your mission
Learn how the rule got made — and who it serves.
⚡ The twist
Not voting is also a vote.
Mind = Blown
🤯 Some laws on the books are over 800 years old and still apply.
Then & Now
🏛️ The rule you'll meet today is still on the books — sort of.
The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States for electing the President and Vice President. Established by the Constitution, it comprises 538 electors, with each state allocated a number of electors based on its congressional representation. Voters in each state cast their ballots for a slate of electors pledged to support their chosen candidate. This system means that winning the popular vote in a state typically results in all its electors casting their votes for that candidate, although some states allow for a proportional distribution. The Electoral College has been a topic of debate, with arguments for its necessity in balancing interests across diverse states versus calls for reform to better reflect the national popular vote.
Key Facts
The Electoral College consists of 538 electors.
Most states use a winner-takes-all system to allocate their electors.
The system has been the subject of debate regarding its fairness and relevance.
Check Your Understanding
Question 1
1 of 2What is the total number of electors in the Electoral College?
Why this still matters
Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?
Stretch Challenge
Try this in real life this week.
Make up a fair rule for your family. Pitch it.
For the dinner table
“What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”
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