How the Electoral College Works
Grade 8 · Social Studies · 30 min
What's Included
Learning Objective
I can explain how the Electoral College works in U.S. presidential elections.
Warm-Up Video
PBS · 11:23
How Do We REALLY Elect The President? | Civics Made Easy
Guided Notes
3 key concepts
- 1
Each state's number of electors is equal to its total number of members of Congress, which is the sum of its representatives in the House and its Senators.
- 2
If no presidential candidate wins a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives chooses the president, with each state casting one vote, and the Senate chooses the vice president.
- 3
The Electoral College was created at the Constitutional Convention as a compromise between having Congress choose the president, state legislatures choose the president or having a national popular vote.
Practice Questions
3 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer
Exit Ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Describe the four steps of how the Electoral College works today, as explained in the video.”
Complete Lesson Package
Get all 3 ready-to-use resources:
