What is the basis for determining the number of electoral …

History Questions

What is the basis for determining the number of electoral votes for a president? A. Three-fifths of the total population of residents. B. Three-fifths of the total population of registered voters. C. The number of members in the state legislature. D. The number of representatives and senators from the state.

Short Answer

The Electoral College allocates votes based on each state’s congressional representation and includes two votes for senators. The District of Columbia receives electoral votes without full statehood, while U.S. territories have no representation in the Electoral College and do not participate in presidential elections.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand Voter Allocation in States

In the United States, each state has a specific number of voters in the Electoral College based on its representatives. This includes:

  • Two voters for each state’s senators.
  • A number of voters equal to its representatives in Congress, determined by the state’s population.

Step 2: Recognize the Role of the District of Columbia

The District of Columbia is treated similarly to a state when it comes to voting. According to the Twenty-Third Amendment, it receives electoral votes but has a maximum equal to the number of votes in the least populated state. This ensures representation without granting full statehood.

Step 3: Identify the Excluded Territories

It’s important to note that while U.S. territories play a role in the national landscape, they do not have representation in the Electoral College. This means:

  • Territories do not participate in the presidential election process.
  • Only the states and Washington D.C. contribute to the total electoral vote count.

Related Concepts

Voter Allocation

The process of determining how many electoral votes each state has based on its congressional representation and population

District Of Columbia

A federal district in the united states that is treated similarly to a state in terms of voting rights, specifically receiving electoral votes as per the twenty-third amendment

Excluded Territories

U.s. regions that do not have representation in the electoral college, meaning they cannot participate in presidential elections.

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