Representation and the Electoral College

by Robert M. Alexander

Overview

Nearly 800 proposals have been made to amend or abolish the Electoral College, and its divisiveness raises many questions. What role do electors play in American democracy? How should they vote? Should the Electoral College exist at all? Much confusion surrounds this institution, in large part because of how the original Electoral College varies from its contemporary counterpart, the evolved Electoral College. This book helps readers to understand the distinction and how we got where we are today. Focusing on the controversial 2016 election, in which Trump received nearly three million fewer popular votes than Clinton, Representation and the Electoral College shows how the Electoral College acts on behalf of the American public and alters election outcomes. In exploring the origin, development, and practice of the Electoral College, this study also presents the most extensive analysis of presidential electors to date.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780190939458
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	04/01/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	953 KB

About the Author

Robert M. Alexander is a professor of political science at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. He is the author of four books and has served on the National Executive Committee for Pi Sigma Alpha and on the National Liaison Advisory Board for The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

Table of Contents

Dedication Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Theories of Representation Chapter 3: The Founding and Evolution of the Electoral College Chapter 4: Federalism and the Electoral College Chapter 5: The Popular Vote and Misfires in the Electoral College Chapter 6: Presidential Electors as Agents of Representation Chapter 7: Alexander Hamilton and the 2016 Election Chapter 8: Reform Efforts and Thoughts on the Electoral College

Editorial Reviews

"It is an extraordinary contribution — not just the theoretical parts about representation, but especially the empirical work about electors." — - Larry Lessig, American academic, attorney, and political activist

"This book is an important analysis of the Electoral College, from the debates about it at the constitutional convention and during the early days of the republic to contemporary controversies that surround this unique construction. Alexander frames the book with the theoretical conundrum of representation, unpacking different kinds of representation and how these competing interpretations of representation have contributed to the ways in which voters, parties, candidates, and electors approach the Electoral College and understand its function within the American constitutional system." — Lilly Goren, New Books Network

"Alexander provides a thorough, thoughtful, balanced analysis, carefully and engagingly shedding light on the multiple ways the Electoral College affects the nature of representation in the US. Drawing on historical primary source materials, original surveys of presidential electors, and previous scholarly work, Alexander explores the Founders' design of and original intent for the Electoral College and looks at how the institution has consistently evolved away from its origins. Federalism is a key focus. As one might expect, Alexander gives particular attention to those presidential contests in which the winner of the Electoral College vote did not win the popular vote, singling out the 2016 election. The author closes with insightful thoughts on possible reform options. An invaluable examination of the Electoral College at a critical juncture in American politics, this book could not be more timely." — M. D. Brewer, University of Maine, CHOICE

"Every decade or so there is an important new book on the Electoral College. In the wake of the 2016 "misfire" election, Alexander's is that book. This would be an excellent addition to any undergraduate course covering elections, American political development, or the presidency." — Jeffrey S. Peake, Professor of Political Science, Clemson University

"Robert Alexander, master of all things related to the Electoral College, approaches this paradoxical institution with clarity and balance. This outstanding work is an excellent primer for those who wish to unpack the core elements of the Electoral College and come to grips with this antidemocratic aspect of America's struggling democracy.-" — Michael A. Genovese, President, Global Policy Institute at Loyola Marymount University

"This well-written and accessible work, sure to be a hit with students, offers revealing interviews with electors who struggled over whether to support the unpopular presidential candidates endorsed by their home states-an issue that will certainly arise again.-" — Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science, University of Mary Washington

"Both proponents and opponents of the Electoral College will find that Alexander offers a balanced view. This is an essential volume for students and scholars of the American presidency and an insightful read for the interested citizen" — Terri Towner, Associate Professor of Political Science, Oakland University

From the Publisher