Why the Electoral College Is Bad for America

The electoral college is a complex system that may elect the candidate who does not receive the most votes, leading to its flaws being more apparent than ever. George Edwards' book provides rigorous analysis and data to show how the system violates core democratic principles and does not provide the benefits its advocates claim. He offers a straightforward approach to selecting the president that maximizes political equality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 265 pages
Publication date: 23 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The electoral college is a highly intricate system that plays a pivotal role in the American presidential election process. It has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, particularly in light of two of the past five presidential elections being won by the candidate who lost the popular vote. The 2020 election further highlighted the flaws of the electoral college system, with widespread concerns about the legitimacy of the outcome.

In his fourth edition of the definitive book on the electoral college, George Edwards delves into the complexities of the system and offers a rigorous analysis of its shortcomings. He argues that the electoral college violates core democratic principles by undermining the principle of one person, one vote and by giving too much power to smaller states. Edwards also challenges the claims made by its advocates, who argue that it ensures a peaceful transfer of power and prevents the election of a demagogue.

One of the key arguments that Edwards makes is that the electoral college does not provide the benefits that its advocates claim. He points out that the system can result in the election of a president who does not receive the majority of the popular vote, which undermines the legitimacy of the election. This has been a particularly contentious issue in recent years, with many people arguing that it is unfair and undemocratic.

Edwards also addresses the justifications for the electoral college that were popular among Trump supporters following the 2016 and 2020 elections. He argues that these justifications are flawed and do not hold up to scrutiny. For example, some argue that the electoral college ensures that smaller states have a voice in the election process, but Edwards points out that this argument is not supported by the data. Smaller states have historically had a minimal impact on the outcome of the presidential election, and the electoral college system does not provide them with any additional power.

In conclusion, The Electoral College: A Critical Examination is a comprehensive and insightful book that provides a critical analysis of the electoral college system. Edwards argues that the system violates core democratic principles and does not provide the benefits that its advocates claim. He offers a straightforward approach to selecting the president that maximizes political equality and ensures that the American people have the final say in who becomes their leader. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the politics of the United States and the role of the electoral college in shaping the country's political landscape.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009426268
Edition number: 4 Revised edition