This paper deals with several topics connected with the election President in the United States of America but concentrates on history and the method of electing from the pre-election to the General one. After this theoretical part the weak points of this system are to be analyzed by the election of 2000. The ending of the paper gives a short overview about alternative ideas and a shift that is to be expected in the election system combined with the author’s own opinion. The President has a wide range of executive power as it is written in the Constitution, Article II: "The executive power shall be vested in a President of the USA”. Such a powerful human being requires to be elected carefully and because of that the founding fathers in 1787 invented a special system for electing politicians, especially the President. "Carefully" means to vote in an intelligent way under consideration of all current circumstances to minimize the risk of electing the wrong man to govern America, the most powerful country on earth. In 1800 people were not able to gather all the necessary pieces of information that were required for such an intelligent vote. The postal infrastructure consisted of letters delivered by postmen using horses who needed several weeks to travel from one city to another. The candidates of course were not able to visit every town to introduce themselves. Additionally, wartime hardened the situation of postal delivery. In the beginning the founding fathers discussed about the mode of election and the length of the executive term as the most important points. After several months of discussing one idea was striking -the electoral college-. A mode of electing that allows state legislatures to choose electors equal in number to the states, representatives and senators combined. These electors than are able to vote for one of the two candidates. - The amount of the number of delegates and electors per state depends on the amount of delegates in the Congress (House of Representative plus the Senate (two Senators per State)). So every state has at least a representation of 3 delegates or electors. [...]
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. The Electoral College and Founding Principles
3. The Caucus-Convention-System
4. Primary Election Systems
5. The National Convention and General Election
6. Analysis of the 2000 Presidential Election Irregularities
7. Perspectives on Electoral Reform
Research Objectives and Themes
This paper examines the historical development and functional mechanics of the United States presidential election system, ranging from the caucus and primary stages to the general election. By analyzing the structural complexities and the controversies of the 2000 presidential election, the work evaluates the system's susceptibility to irregularities and explores necessary paths for future electoral reform.
- Historical evolution of the Electoral College system.
- Mechanics of the caucus-convention and primary nomination processes.
- Evaluation of the 2000 election irregularities and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court.
- Challenges to voter equality and standardized counting procedures.
- Proposed alternatives for systemic electoral improvement.
Excerpt from the Book
Presidential Election in the United States of America
The President has a wide range of executive power as it is written in the Constitution, Article II: "The executive power shall be vested in a President of the USA”. Such a powerful human being requires to be elected carefully and because of that the founding fathers in 1787 invented a special system for electing politicians, especially the President. "Carefully" means to vote in an intelligent way under consideration of all current circumstances to minimize the risk of electing the wrong man to govern America, the most powerful country on earth. In 1800 people were not able to gather all the necessary pieces of information that were required for such an intelligent vote. The postal infrastructure consisted of letters delivered by postmen using horses who needed several weeks to travel from one city to another. The candidates of course were not able to visit every town to introduce themselves. Additionally, wartime hardened the situation of postal delivery.
In the beginning the founding fathers discussed about the mode of election and the length of the executive term as the most important points. After several months of discussing one idea was striking -the electoral college-. A mode of electing that allows state legislatures to choose electors equal in number to the states, representatives and senators combined. These electors than are able to vote for one of the two candidates. - The amount of the number of delegates and electors per state depends on the amount of delegates in the Congress (House of Representative plus the Senate (two Senators per State)). So every state has at least a representation of 3 delegates or electors.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstract: Provides an overview of the paper's scope, focusing on the historical election system, the analysis of 2000 election weaknesses, and the author's opinion on future reforms.
2. The Electoral College and Founding Principles: Discusses the constitutional origins of the executive branch and the rationale behind the founding fathers' creation of the Electoral College.
3. The Caucus-Convention-System: Explains the multistage internal party voting process that evolved from colonial-era clubs to select political candidates.
4. Primary Election Systems: Details the four types of primaries and the difference between closed, open, blanket, and runoff systems in nominating delegates.
5. The National Convention and General Election: Covers the progression from party conventions to the general election, emphasizing the "winner-takes-it-all" system and the influence of swing states.
6. Analysis of the 2000 Presidential Election Irregularities: Investigates the procedural failures and controversies surrounding the Bush vs. Gore election, including ballot counting issues and Supreme Court intervention.
7. Perspectives on Electoral Reform: Evaluates potential reforms such as the Congressional-District-Plan and standardized ballot counting to ensure greater democratic equality.
Keywords
Presidential Election, Electoral College, Constitution, Primaries, Caucus-Convention, Delegates, General Election, Swing States, Bush vs. Gore, Voter Irregularities, Democracy, Ballot Counting, Electoral Reform, Winner-Takes-It-All, U.S. Supreme Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this paper?
The paper examines the historical and structural development of the U.S. presidential election system, identifying how the process moves from local caucuses and primaries to the Electoral College.
What are the core themes addressed in this work?
The primary themes include the constitutional design of the executive election, the evolution of party nomination processes, and the challenges of democratic representation in the modern era.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The objective is to evaluate the integrity of the U.S. electoral system by analyzing historical structures alongside specific failures identified during the 2000 presidential election.
Which scientific methods or analytical approaches are used?
The author employs a historical-analytical approach, comparing the original intentions of the founding fathers with the practical outcomes and irregularities observed in contemporary elections.
What subjects are covered in the main body of the paper?
The body covers the Electoral College, the caucus and primary nomination cycles, the National Convention process, the influence of swing states, and a critical analysis of the 2000 election chaos.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
The most relevant keywords include Electoral College, Presidential Election, U.S. Constitution, Primaries, and Electoral Reform.
Why does the author consider the 2000 election an important case study?
The 2000 election is highlighted because it exposed deep flaws in ballot counting standardization and raised concerns about the fairness of the Electoral College system when compared to the popular vote.
What specific reforms does the author mention to improve the system?
The author discusses the "Congressional-District-Plan" to abolish the Electoral College and proposals from former Presidents Ford and Carter regarding the standardization of ballot counting methods.
- Quote paper
- Sebastian Piaskowski (Author), 2005, Presidential Election in the United States of America, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/67488
