Question

the electoral college has a big impact on the way people campaign for president. many people disagree about whether its effects are good or bad. sort the following arguments based on whether they could be used to support or oppose the electoral college.
because of the winner - take - all system, a presidential candidate can win the electoral vote even if the majority of people voted for someone else.
the electoral college encourages presidential campaigns to focus on winning a handful of swing states and ignore voters in safe states.
the electoral college protects the interests of small states by guaranteeing them at least three electors regardless of their population.
if the election results are disputed, the electoral college system means that recounts are only needed in states where the results were very close, instead of recounting all votes nationwide.
supports the electoral college
opposes the electoral college

Explanation:

• Supports the Electoral College:
• "The Electoral College protects the interests of small states by guaranteeing them at least three electors regardless of their population" highlights a positive aspect (protection of small - state interests) which can be used to support the system.
• "If the election results are disputed, the Electoral College system means that recounts are only needed in states where the results were very close, instead of recounting all votes nationwide" shows an efficiency (less - extensive recounts) that can be a supporting argument.
• Opposes the Electoral College:
• "Because of the winner - take - all system, a presidential candidate can win the electoral vote even if the majority of people voted for someone else" points out a flaw (disconnect between popular vote and electoral outcome) which opposes the system.
• "The Electoral College encourages presidential campaigns to focus on winning a handful of swing states and ignore voters in safe states" indicates a negative impact (neglect of some voters) that opposes the system.

Answer:

• Supports the Electoral College:
• "The Electoral College protects the interests of small states by guaranteeing them at least three electors regardless of their population".
• "If the election results are disputed, the Electoral College system means that recounts are only needed in states where the results were very close, instead of recounting all votes nationwide".
• Opposes the Electoral College:
• "Because of the winner - take - all system, a presidential candidate can win the electoral vote even if the majority of people voted for someone else".
• "The Electoral College encourages presidential campaigns to focus on winning a handful of swing states and ignore voters in safe states".