Ever wonder why the candidate with the most votes doesn’t always win the presidency? Or question if the Electoral College still makes sense in today’s democracy? The Electoral College has been at the center of political debates for centuries, leaving many of us scratching our heads about its fairness and relevance. But how did this system come about, and why does it still determine our elections?

In this episode of This Constitution, hosts Savannah Eccles Johnston and Matthew Brogdon take a deep dive into the origins and evolution of the Electoral College, just in time for the 2024 presidential race. They explore the historical arguments that shaped its creation, the majority-takes-all system, and the mismatches between the popular vote and election outcomes that have left voters frustrated. From potential reforms like the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact to district-based voting, they break down the possibilities for change.

Curious to learn more and see how this system might impact the future of our democracy? Tune in now!

In This Episode

• (00:03) Introduction to the podcast
• (00:41) Electoral College origins
• (02:08) Alternatives to the Electoral College
• (03:00) Impact of slavery on voting
• (04:06) State-by-state voting process
• (06:10) Historical variations in elector selection
• (07:13) Electoral College's intended purpose
• (09:30) Political parties and the Electoral College
• (10:24) Current Electoral College systems
• (11:28) Majority takes all system
• (12:26) Mismatch between the popular vote and the Electoral College
• (13:57) The psychology of the wasted vote
• (14:53) Historical elections and popular vote discrepancies
• (15:24) Majority vs. plurality in elections
• (16:51) Geographic support and election outcomes
• (18:38) Impact of the Electoral College on political parties
• (19:08) Consequences of Electoral College outcomes
• (21:18) Rural vs. urban voting dynamics
• (23:14) Revisiting the district system
• (25:24) Gerrymandering and electoral outcomes
• (26:59) Cynicism towards gerrymandering solutions
• (28:11) National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
• (28:56) Texas Constitution and electors
• (29:27) Elector commitment and penalties
• (29:47) Theoretical vs. practical application