Presidential Elections: The Electoral Process at Work
Living in a democracy is great: it creates a platform for opportunity and equality unlike any other political system. But the system is only as strong as those who make it, and the American electoral process depends on committed voters and civic-minded individuals to keep it running fairly. In 2008, Americans are once again faced with the central component in preserving the democratic system—voting for president. This guide will refresh your memory on the history of the electoral process, show you how to register to vote, and suggest some resources for would-be volunteers.
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Email ThisHistory of the U.S. Electoral Process
The United States developed an electoral process based on democratic ideals. Studying the history... read more»
The Electoral College
As was demonstrated in the 2000 election, there’s more that goes into winning the Presidency than getting the most votes. George H.W. Bush defeated Al Gore because of the Electoral College—even though Al Gore received more actual votes. So what is the point of the Electoral College? How did the system develop, and why is it relevant today? Use the following sites to understand the history of the electoral process and why the Electoral College matters.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you’re interested in learning more about the history and background of the U.S. government, visit findingDulcinea’s Politics Web Guide.
- If you want to learn more about specific branches of government, the best way to get the most information is to visit their Web sites directly. For example, learn about the Executive Branch by visiting The White House Web site.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an outline of the presidential electoral process …
The U.S. Department of State
presents this complete directory of sites that explain elements of the election process. Links to information about various parts of American government are provided, along with statistics and research reports.
GovSpot.com
indexes some of the most informative U.S. government Web sites on any topic. This link explains the election process in simplified terms. This is a good place to learn about specific branches of government or the organizations under their jurisdiction. Use this page as a point of access to sites that represent the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches. You’ll also find resources for state, local, and world government here.
Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
explains the American election and political process in such depth that even adults will benefit. Geared toward high school students, this site is easy to read and has lots of worthwhile information. Visit “Election Process” for descriptions of how the President and VP, senators, and representatives are elected, along with how to register to vote. You’ll also find historical documents, and basic facts about government structure and the legislative process.
For information on the Electoral College specifically …
The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
offers this complete resource for the Electoral College. The colorful page is easy to navigate, with sections on the history and process of the Electoral College. Each section has links that answer essential questions and allow you to track Electoral College facts and figures from past elections.
David Leip’s Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections
provides this helpful link to “Election Information,” which details the origins and function of the Electoral College. Peruse the “Pros and Cons of the Electoral College System” for a more complete perspective. Also read relevant parts of the U.S. Constitution, or review historical data by searching for Electoral College figures by year.
270toWin.com
is an interactive Electoral College map that doubles as an interactive history of presidential elections dating all the way back to 1789. Trace every election and how many votes each candidate got from both the Electoral College and the Popular Vote. A color-coded U.S. map illustrates which party won the Electoral College votes in each state that year.
American Political Parties
Although there are two major American political parties, many others exist on the fringes of the... read more»
Register to Vote
Voting is the most important thing you can do to foster and maintain democracy. This section of the... read more»
Volunteer in Presidential Elections
Presidential campaigns, from the primaries to the final election in November, are always looking... read more»
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