Congressman Brian Baird, D-Vancouver, wants to abolish the Electoral College in favor of a system where the president would be elected directly through a national vote. He is suggestion that they amend the Constitution to do this - but I think there might be a different way to achieve the same thing without changing the constitution.
The Constitution is implemented in federal law that gives the states control in how they choose their electors. I think that these federal laws can be changed in a way that would make it so that whoever wins the national popular vote wins all the national electors. This would make the popular vote and the electoral vote the same thing.
If Title 3 - Chapter 1 - Section - 1 were changed so as to require that the electors be selected not by the states according to their own rules - but by the states according to who wins the popular vote - then the electoral college would be preserved - but would more accurately reflect the will of the people.
I think this world work and be easier to pass than a Constitutional Amendment.
It will NEVER happen. The states have to change it, and the states LOVE it.
Posted by: tomoius at September 18, 2004 07:10 PMRevolution will NEVER happen. I NEVER said that. You ALWAYS... ad infinitum.
Childish oversimplification deserves little respect in an intelligent forum.
I do however, agree that the electoral college is here to stay for the forseeable future.
Posted by: Gershwin at September 19, 2004 01:50 AMMy father ALWAYS said, "Never say never, it is a long time. I agree with the statement.
It will NEVER happen. The government that you will be left with after the elctoral college is gone will be closer to one you don't want than to one you do want.
Posted by: tomocius at September 19, 2004 11:14 AM"I think this world work and be easier to pass than a Constitutional Amendment"
Actually, that won't work.
"Each state shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors..." Article II, Section 1, Clause 2. The state legislatures choose how the electors are chosen, and "The electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by ballot for President and Vice-President..." (Amendment XII, first sentence). There is no way to abolish this system without amending those parts of the constitution.
The thing is, the President is not supposed to represent the will of the people--that's why the Constitution was written so that the electors choose and no the people. Congress serves as the voice of the people, but the President serves as the head of the executive branch. It was decided that the heads of all three branches must be chosen in a different matter (popular for legislative, electoral for executive, and executive appointment/legislative approval for judicial) so that a momentary change in national philosophy doesn't result in a complete and sweeping change in the American political landscape every several years.
Posted by: Mance at September 24, 2004 01:27 PM