🗳️Electoral College supersedes popular vote under Article II
Government
Understand the real mechanics of American elections from Electoral College to local races. Learn why your vote matters differently in each contest and how the system actually works versus popular misconceptions about democratic choice.
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Key Takeaways
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Why This Matters
🎯 Your presidential vote only advises 538 electors who make the real choice
The Electoral College means 306 Biden electors in 2020 mattered more than 81 million popular votes, fundamentally changing how campaigns target swing states rather than national persuasion.
🏙️ Local elections control daily governance but draw 15% turnout rates
School boards, city councils, and county commissioners determine property taxes, police budgets, and infrastructure spending with minimal voter participation during off-year cycles when presidential voters stay home.
🗺️ Gerrymandered safe districts make primary elections the real contests
With 90% of House seats predetermined by partisan maps, primary voters effectively choose final winners while general elections become formalities in most congressional districts.
📊 Support National Popular Vote Interstate Compact eliminating geographic distortions
Contact your state legislature about joining 16 states plus DC totaling 205 electoral votes committed to awarding electors to national popular vote winner once compact reaches 270.
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Detailed Content
2
Match each voting method to its key characteristic
Matching
Electoral Systems
3
A candidate wins the presidency with 23% of the popular vote. Which voting system allows this?
Multiple Choice
Elections
4
After Citizens United (2010), what new form of political spending exploded?
Multiple Choice
Campaign Finance
5
What percentage of Virginia's 2023 school board elections were decided by fewer than 500 votes?
Multiple Choice
Local Issues
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10
Your city is choosing a new voting system. What factors matter most?
Scenario
Elections