A Study Of The Electoral College System In The American Political Context

The Electoral College system of America is a unique presidential election system inthe world. It is also one of the most controversial issues in American politics. At present,debate over the presidential election system comes from the winner-take-all systemadopted by most states. It focuses on the election of run-up president and the unequaldistribution of state interest. Currently, research conducted by American scholars oftenconcentrate on the Electoral College system itself. The benefits and drawbacks of thecurrent system are well analyzed in many books and essays. Meanwhile, scholars andpolitical scientists also actively explore possible alternatives to the current system,including popular election plan, district election plan and proportional election plan. Theyalso predict potential influence of proposed plans on American society. Domestic scholarsmainly explore the function and limitation of the Electoral College system from its originand historical development.This thesis aims to discuss the Electoral College system in American political context.The Electoral College system does not exist alone. Rather, its origin and development isclosely related to the American political environment. Therefore, in carrying out this issue,the thesis tries to avoid analyzing mere advantages and disadvantages of the ElectoralCollege system and its alternatives. The thesis will explore reasons for the long existenceof the Electoral College system from three different perspectives, namely the federalprinciple, the two-party system and the racial diversity in American society.This paper will be divided into three parts. The first chapter will give an overview ofthe Electoral College system, including its origin, the Framer s vision for the system, andits historical development. The second chapter will be devoted to elaborate majorcontroversies over the Electoral College system, including the election of run-up presidentand state interest distribution. The third chapter explores the political basis of the ElectoralCollege system from three different perspectives. First of all, it analyzes the legitimacy ofthe current system from the perspective of the federal principle. Second, the thesis analyzesthe rationale of the system on the basis of the two-party system in America. On the onehand, the two-party system has largely shaped the current Electoral College system. On the other hand, the Electoral College system has greatly consolidated the two-party system inreturn. Third, it explores the rationale of the current system from the perspective of interestof minority groups. Different ethnic groups coexisted in America. It is of great importanceto make their voice heard. The current system has prevented them from being marginalized.Based on the analysis from these perspectives, this study reveals the mechanism of theElectoral College within the American political system.