Role of Electoral College
A slate of electors for each state is chosen by the popular vote.
Most states have a winner-take-all system.
The electors meet to vote for president and vice-president.
The winner-take-all system leads candidates to target the most
populated states. (examples: California, Florida, Texas, New York Illinois, Pennsylvania)
Candidates must pay attention to less populated states, which can make the
different in tight elections.
The number of each state’s electors is based on the state’s Congressional
Representation, which is based on the state’s population.
The requirement for a majority vote to win favors a two-party system.
Electoral College Map Activity
Step 1: Using the map handout as a guide, write the total number of electoral votes in each state on
your map on the back of this page.
Step2 : Choose two contrasting colors of pencil or highlighter. Shade in the 5 states with the most
electoral votes in one color.
Step 3: Using your 2nd color, shade in the 5 states with the fewest electoral votes. (Don’t forget to label
Washington, D.C.)
Step 4: Find the lowest number of possible states that would be necessary to win a presidential
election. Write that number here: ____________.