Question

question 3 (multiple choice worth 5 points)
(03.08r lc)

which of the following is a criticism of the electoral college?

• protects the interest of smaller states
• forces candidates to win a super-majority
• undermines citizens voting power and the popular vote
• requires candidates to focus on less populous states

Explanation:

Analyze the question

The question asks to identify a common criticism of the Electoral College system used in United States presidential elections.

Evaluate the first option

Using the Electoral College knowledge point

• "Protects the interest of smaller states" is generally considered a defense or argument in favor of the system, not a criticism.

Evaluate the second option

Using the Electoral College knowledge point

• Candidates need a simple majority of electoral votes (270 out of 538) to win, not a super-majority.

Evaluate the third option

Using the Electoral College knowledge point

• "Undermines citizens' voting power and the popular vote" is a major criticism because a candidate can win the national popular vote but still lose the election in the Electoral College.

Evaluate the fourth option

Using the Electoral College knowledge point

• Candidates actually tend to focus their campaigns on highly competitive "swing states" rather than less populous states, making this statement inaccurate as a standard criticism.

Answer:

• (A) Protects the interest of smaller states
• (B) Forces candidates to win a super-majority
• (C) Undermines citizens' voting power and the popular vote (Correct answer)
• (D) Requires candidates to focus on less populous states