Number: RL32611
Title: The Electoral College: How It Works in Contemporary Presidential Elections
Authors: Thomas H. Neale, Government and Finance Division 
Abstract: The President and Vice President of the United States are chosen indirectly by a group of persons elected by American voters. These people are known collectively as the electoral college. A tie vote in the college, the failure of any candidate to receive a majority of electoral votes, or an extremely close election - in popular or electoral votes - could lead to an acrimonious and protracted political struggle, or even a constitutional crisis that might threaten to destabilize the United States Government. Those who doubt might wish to consult the historical record, in particular the elections of 1800 and 1876, for examples. More recently, the controversial presidential election of 2000, in which George W. Bush narrowly won the electoral vote and the presidency over Al Gore, Jr., who had gained more popular votes, continues to influence the tone and content of American political discourse. The potential for a similar or even more bitterly contested struggle in the future argues for a reasonable level of familiarity with the various components of this complex institution.
Pages: 15
Date: October 8, 2008