The Electoral College and the Constitution: The Case for Preserving Federalism

by Robert M. Hardaway

Overview

This study examines how the Electoral College actually works, how it is supposed to work, and how it might be reformed. Robert Hardaway first looks at the Constitutional Convention, the Twelfth Amendment, and historical elections where the Electoral College has come into play, providing the historical background to the present-day College. Next he examines the electors themselves—how they are chosen in the states and the laws relating to the obligations of electors in casting their votes. The election of the president and vice president by the House of Representatives is also examined. Finally, Hardaway discusses and analyzes the proposed reforms to the Electoral College, including those before the Congress at present. Professor Hardaway's book makes a strong case for the preservation of the federalist principles incorporated into the constitutional framers' plan for election of the president of the United States. The book richly documents its case with examples from past elections, while at the same time providing the reader with all information needed to make an independent judgment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275945695
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	08/30/1994
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1630L (what's this?)

About the Author

ROBERT M. HARDAWAY is Professor of Law at the University of Denver. He is the author of Airport Regulation, Law and Public Policy (Quorum, 1991) and Population, Law, and the Environment (Praeger, 1994).

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: The Solar System of Government Power
The Electoral College: How It Really Works
Origins: The Constitutional Convention and the Twelfth Amendment
Evolution: Refining the Electoral Process
Elections: Electoral Effects and Applications
Reform: Proposals and Alternatives
Conclusion: The Case for Preserving Federalism
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

The district system, the proportional plan, direct election, and a variety of hybrid plans have been proposed hundreds of times since the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and reform of the method used to elect the president is still under scrutiny. After a chapter devoted to the historical and constitutional origins of the Electoral College and another on how it works, the remaining chapters focus on the arguments both in favor and against reform. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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