Does my vote count? Understanding the electoral college

Report guidelines

Each member of your state's delegation has a different job, and each has a different report to write. Here are the guidelines for each type of report.

Demographer

The demographer will compile the background information on the state from the state information sheet, determine the benefits to the state of the group's proposal, and write up his/her arguments in essay form. Address the following questions:

• Would the state as a whole have more or less say with the group's proposed amendment?
• Would individual voters in the state have more or less say?
• Which is more important, and why?

Historian

The historian will look at controversial elections in the past (see part 3 of the reading) and decide which of those precedents is relevant to his/her state. Read some of the arguments on either side, as put forth on the websites in the reading. Address the following questions:

• How is this precedent a concern for the people of your state in future presidential elections?
• How would your proposed amendment address that concern?

Social activist

The social activist will consider how the proposed amendment might enhance representation of the interests of the citizens of your state, based on the group's background research. Address the following questions:

• How does the current system give voice to the interests of the citizens of your state — or fail to do so?
• How would your proposal help your citizens' voices be heard?
• How might your proposal more effectively encourage voter participation?

Legal expert

The legal expert will draft text for the proposed constitutional amendment. Make sure that it:

• takes into account all aspects of the existing system
• reflects the will of your delegation
• covers all of the aspects of your delegation's proposal
• sounds "constitutional" (!)