Electoral college

Many Americans who vote in a Presidential election believe they are voting directly for a candidate. In actuality, they are voting for a “slate of electors” who will cast their ballots when the Electoral College meets. These electors select the President and Vice President of the United States. Some believe it is time to change this process.

(Links to an external site.)Your paper should include a comprehensive overview of the Electoral College, explaining how the process works to elect the President and Vice President.

Your paper should consist of AT LEAST 1,500 WORDS of substantive academic writing, and include a discussion of ALL the following:

The reasons why the framers of the U.S. Constitution created the Electoral College, instead of having a direct nationwide popular vote election of the President. In addressing this issue, discuss some of the ideas that were considered during the Constitutional Convention for selecting the nation’s Chief Executive.
The total number of Electoral College votes allocated throughout the nation, including how many electoral votes are required to be elected President and Vice President. How are these electors apportioned among the states? Also, how are the number of each state’s electors directly related to its representation in Congress (the U.S. House and Senate)?
Who are the actual “electors” and how are they selected in each of the states? Describe the two-part process for selecting the electors. Also, is just anyone eligible to serve as an elector?
Explain the actual Electoral College process. For instance, what transpires after the November General Election, per the U.S. Constitution, leading-up to Inauguration Day? Explain the significance of a “Certificate of Ascertainment” and a “Certificate of Vote,” along with the “Safe Harbor” provision of the Electoral Count Act.
Finally, offer a robust, balanced perspective addressing arguments both for, and against, the Electoral College process. Have any reform proposals been offered over the past 50 to 60 years?

(Links to an external site.)Additional requirements:

Write a paper that consists of at least 1,500 words of good academic substance (not counting the Title Page and Works Cited/References section)
Students must identify at least five (5) different sources of information (in addition to the course textbook). Students are not permitted to use WikiPedia as a source.
All sources must be properly cited – including all necessary “in-line” citations. A comprehensive Works Cited/References section must be provided at the end.
Your paper must be formatted according to either the MLA or APA style method.
Use proper spelling and grammar.
Provide clearly articulated and well-structured sentences and paragraphs.
Submit your paper as an MS Word document, or PDF file

(Links to an external site.)**Since a detailed set of instructions are provided, the instructor does NOT review “rough drafts” of student work. Submit your paper only when you are ready for the instructor to review and grade your completed work. Once your paper is reviewed and graded, that grade stands as final.