Why the Electoral College Is Bad for America

by George C. Edwards III

Overview

A new edition of the best‑known book critiquing the U.S. electoral college
 
In this third edition of the definitive book on the unique system by which Americans choose a president—and why that system should be changed—George Edwards includes a new chapter focusing on the 2016 election.
 
“As the U.S. hurtles toward yet another election in which the popular vote loser may become president, Edwards’s book is essential reading. It clearly and methodically punctures myths about the Electoral College’s benefits.”—Richard L. Hasen, author of The Voting Wars
 
“Supported by both history and data, George Edwards convincingly argues the Electoral College is anti‑democratic, anti‑equality, and anti‑common sense. We should dismantle it, and soon.”—Kent Greenfield, author of Corporations Are People Too (And They Should Act Like It)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780300243888
Publisher:	Yale University Press
Publication date:	08/20/2019
Edition description:	Third Edition
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

George C. Edwards III is University Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Texas A&M University and holds the Jordan Chair in Presidential Studies. A Distinguished Fellow at Oxford, he has edited Presidential Studies Quarterly since 1998.

Table of Contents

List of Tables ix

Preface xiii

1 Raising Questions 1

2 How the Electoral College Works 12

3 The Electoral College and Political Equality 38

4 Contingent Elections 78

5 The Origins of the Electoral College 101

6 Protecting Interests 117

7 Maintaining Cohesion 151

8 Preserving the Party System 186

9 Conclusion 205

Appendix: U.S. Constitutional Provisions Relating to Presidential Elections 221

Notes 231

Index 267

Editorial Reviews

"As the U.S. hurtles toward yet another election in which the popular vote loser may become President, Edwards’ book is essential reading. It clearly and methodically punctures myths about the Electoral College’s benefits."—Richard L. Hasen, author of The Voting Wars: From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown
 

"Supported by both history and data, George Edwards convincingly argues the Electoral College is anti-democratic, anti-equality, and anti-common sense. We should dismantle it, and soon."—Kent Greenfield, author of Corporations Are People Too (And They Should Act Like It)
 

From the Publisher