1. Write down the answers.
This involves math so you should have a calculator (phone). After you complete your answers to the four scenarios below. Use your own words and make sure to thoroughly explain each result.
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There are 9 states in this Alternate United States of America, with a total of 50 electoral college votes up for grabs. That’s 1 electoral college vote for every 10,000 citizens. Each state has just voted in the presidential election, which is conducted exactly the same as the real United States. There were three candidates: Joe Biden of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump of the Republican Party, and Gary Johnson of the Libertarian Party (a small, third party). The problem is that election officials have forgotten what the electoral rules are!
Below, you will see the vote totals in each state as well as the number of electors for each state. Assume that the Alternate United States operates according to the same basic principles as the real United States, with a bicameral Congress and Electoral College, unless told otherwise. It is your job to tell the election officials who has won the election according to each method of the following voting rules. Keep in mind the rules regarding the number of electoral votes needed and what happens should there be no clear winner or a tie. Assume that each state’s electors and representatives will abide by the popular vote results in each state. Also, if necessary, always round to the nearest whole number to determine the awarding of electoral college votes.
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South Nevada: 3 Electoral Votes Carolinia: 9 Electoral Votes Mountana: 3 Electoral Votes Idawho: 4 Electoral Votes Indianois: 5 Electoral Votes |
Ohiaw: 6 Electoral Votes North Carol: 4 Electoral Votes Wisconsylvania: 12 Electoral Votes North Nevada: 4 Electoral Votes
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Based on the data above, decide who wins in each of the following four situations:
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Voting Rule One: The Electoral College.The regular Electoral College rules apply for the awarding of electors. Which candidate wins? Why?
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Voting Rule Two: Proportional method. Instead of a winner take all system, all states determine the distribution of votes using a statewide proportional model, with each state awarding their Electoral College votes according to the percent of the popular vote each candidate wins. The rest of the EC rules continue to apply. Which candidate wins the election? Why?
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Voting Rule Three: No Third Parties Allowed.Use the same conditions as in the Proportional method, but there are two changes to the vote totals. First, Gary Johnson drops out of the race prior to the election. All of his supporters instead vote for their second choice, Donald Trump. Second, 10,000 Joe Biden supporters in the state of Wisconsylvania also switch their vote to Donald Trump–they had only supported Biden while Johnson was in the race. Which candidate wins the election? Why?
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Voting Rule Four: The Popular Vote method. The Alternate US amends the Constitution to eliminate the Electoral College, and instead chooses a president based on a national popular vote. Use the original vote totals (ignore changes in 2). Who wins? Why?