What exactly is the electoral college and how does it operate in a presidential election? While this can seem confusing to young citizens, help demystify this body of individuals who are designated to formally elect the president and vice president of the United States. The resource explains other noteworthy points of an election process, including the distribution of electors based on population, the number of electoral votes necessary for winning an election, and such vocabulary as safe vs. swing states.

Concepts

the electoral vote

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Additional Tags

electors, electoral vote, bush v. gore, 2000 election, social studies

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Pros

• Descriptive illustrations and animations
• Includes good variety of valuable electoral jargon
• References unique situation in the 2000 United States presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore

Cons

• Doesn't describe in great detail the actual duties and obligations of electors

Common Core

RI.8.7 RH.6-8.7 RH.11-12.7