Flaws of the Electoral College System

In this activity, students will trace the history of the Electoral College through analysis of primary source documents from the elections of 1789, 1800, 1824, and 1988 to identify four flaws with the system. An examination of proposed and implemented reforms, including the 12th Amendment, will engage students in a discussion of modifying or abolishing the Electoral College.

Grades

8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Resource Types

Primary Sources

Teaching Strategies

Analysis, Whole Class, Small Group

Civic Days

Election Day

Duration

60 minutes

Constitution Articles

Article II