Assignment #3_ U
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Political Science
Date
May 14, 2024
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2
Uploaded by ColonelDuck1261
Rodriguez, Alex
POL. SCI. 001
03/22/24
Assignment #3: U.S Campaigns and Elections
Question 1
a:
What is the Electoral College and why was it established by the Framers of the U.S.
Constitution? Why did they not adopt a direct popular election of the U.S. President by
the American people? (4 points)
b:
In 2000 and 2016, the winners of the Popular vote, lost the U.S. Presidency. Is this
a democratic system? Should we keep or eliminate the Electoral College? Explain 2
advantages or disadvantages for keeping it or eliminating it. ( 4 points)
Answer
a: The Electoral College is made up of delegates from every state who cast their votes
on behalf of the entire state. The Electoral College was established by the Framers of
the constitution because it was essentially a compromise between having solely
congress vote for president or having the popular vote decide. They did not adopt a
direct popular election of the U.S president by the American people because they did
not trust that the population would make the right decision. In addition to this, they felt
that electors would make more educated decisions by appointing qualified persons; and
wouldn’t be manipulated over time. (Shewfelt, 2024 The U.S Presidential Election
Process)
b: I personally do not feel that this is a democratic system, but an illusion of a
democratic system because while the population gets to vote, they ultimately make a
decision, not the decision. I believe we should eliminate the Electoral College because
the candidate who wins the presidential election should be a direct reflection of the
popular vote. Keeping the electoral college is a major disadvantage because it leaves
the entire country’s fate up to only a few states, not to mention the fact that it allows
room for electors to make the say regardless of what their state has voted for.
Question 2
a:
What was the 2010 Citizens United, Supreme Court Rule and why was this decision
a "game changer" in terms of political campaigns expenditures by corporations? 4
points
b.
Using my lecture and the information presented, do you agree or disagree with the
Supreme Court decision in Citizens United? Provide two reasons. 3 points.
Rodriguez, Alex
POL. SCI. 001
03/22/24
c.
Is unlimited money spending by corporations and unions and the use of Super Pacs
and Dark Money promoting democracy, or, is it officially recognizing that "Money is the
Mother's Milk of Politics" and they are two types of citizens: the mega-donors who pick
candidates and shape elections and the regular citizens who vote on election day.
Explain your opinion. 3 points
Answer
a: The 2010 Citizens United, Supreme court ruled that corporations and others have the
right to contribute and spend an unlimited amount of money on elections. This was
considered a “game changer” because it gave so much power to the wealthy and
reversed century-old campaign finance restrictions. (Lau,2019)
b: I personally disagree with the Supreme Court decision in Citizens United because it
gives even more influence to those that are already exponentially wealthy and
contributes to drowning out the voice of the general population. In addition to this, the
Supreme Court’s decision also allows more room for racial bias by reinforcing the racial
wealth gap. (Lau,2019)
c. Unlimited money spending by corporations and unions; the use of Super Pacs and
Dark money are most definitely recognizing that “Money is the Mother’s Milk of Politics”.
These things prove that all who have a real say are those who are able to bring more
monetary value to the table, and those who are not putting money down have a meek
and mild voice in terms of pushing their stance. The more money you have, the louder
your voice is.
Question 3
List 3 of your favorite media sources (2 points)
Answer
-
Apps like instagram and tik tok
-
Television (CNN)
-
Podcasts
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