us presidental elections

A Free and Equal Election


A free and equal election is the secret to progress in every democracy. This is important for a peaceful change of power. Voters select leaders that would have a larger effect on their future. Elections give the average voter more control. This could be the best chance for the United States to get a say in potential government decisions (Thompson, 2004).

The Electoral System of the United States


The United States of America is a democratic republic with a representative legislature. This system has been in place since the United States Constitution was ratified in 1788. This electoral practice dates back to the colonial era. The real essence of American elections is discussed in this article. This procedure is both complicated and perplexing. Americans elect the president and his vice president after every four years. The citizens elect four hundred and thirty-five members of the typical house. Senators are also chosen to serve in staggered turns for six years. The US mostly relies on the national governance. In this setting, there is a central national government. Local and state governments have authorities over other matters. They are allowed to exercise independence in varying degrees. Primary elections take place before general elections (Maisel, 2016).

The Two-Party System and the Electoral College


Their aim is to find the party candidate. Winning candidates represent their parties in the general election. Once primary conventions conclude, the general election takes place to determine the president. Presidential elections held after every four years. Percentages of eligible voters vary. Their turnout is lower compared to other democratic countries. The voters register and vote on a voluntary basis. This explains the reason for low turnout. People were organized into two parties. They are either republicans or democrats. The method of using Electoral College reinforces two-party systems. In this system, Americans do not directly vote for vice president and president. Electors who are pledged to a specific presidential candidate make the final decision. This number is similar to that of members of the congressional delegate. For someone to be declared president, he must gain a majority of electoral votes (Barbara Bardes, 2007).

Shortcomings of Two-Party Domination


This kind of arrangement makes it hard for third-party candidates to win. Some individuals consider this system as an outmoded relic. Others prefer this system because presidential candidates have to contest in many states. The tendency of the system to have two parties has led to many changes. Republicans and Democrats create rules that favor them. It is not possible for the state to be more democratic because the process of seeking qualification for new party formation is expensive and arduous. It requires petitions. Many signatures are required. The party should also achieve a threshold proportion of votes in the subsequent elections. The nomination process is a structural barrier to the third parties (Thompson, 2004).

The Dominance of Party Nomination


The United States mostly relies on primary elections for the nomination of presidential candidates. In this system, file and rank voters elect their party nominee. The participatory process of appointment has led to democratic-republican domination. The nominated candidates and their parties develop strategies of eliminating presidential candidates who are favored. Despite the valid evidence of organization of the political system, ingrained components of civic culture have lost trust in these political parties. Modern Americans do not like the fact that political organizations exercise great power. Opinion polls from the public show that people believe that the parties confuse major issues. There is no clarification. Because of this, many voters may elect a president from one party and another nominee for the Congress. With such divided situations, leaders prefer to govern without involving the majority in Congress. Observers show that voters prefer such an arrangement. This fact alone shows their desire for democracy. They believe that such agreements stifle government initiatives that could inconvenience citizens (Barbara Bardes, 2007).

Proposal for Changes by nationalpopularvote.com


According to the proposed system, the popular vote will matter. It guarantees the presidency to the nominee who receives the maximum votes from all the states. The National Popular Vote bill advocates for the consideration of national votes. It also preserves the role of the Electoral College. It does not interfere with state control. If this proposal is accepted, citizens will directly elect the vice president and president without major constitutional amendments. Proponents of the proposed system argue that presidential candidates who are favored by citizens will win the elections. This will end the existing inequalities. Candidates will shift their focus to all parts of the US instead of their battleground states. They assert that this establishment will avoid factors that could lead to significant changes in the constitution (Thompson, 2004).

Opposition to the Proposed System


Opponents argue that this system may end up undermining state authority. It would also undermine the intentions of the founders who preferred federal and national contests. Supporters of the electoral vote system argue that this is the best way to protect small states. States have their ways of making decisions. They also argue that the setting limits incidents of fraud. The proposed system is good. Many people consider direct elections as more democratic. This will be the best way to prevent controversies that arise when the Electoral College makes a different decision. It will ensure that the votes of citizens have weight. This is also the best way to improve voter turnout. More people will participate in a direct election. The current system discourages people. They think that their votes are not necessary (Koza, 2013).

References


Barbara Bardes, M. S. (2007). American Government and Politics Today; The Essentials, 2007. Cengage Learning.


Koza, J. R. (2013). Every Vote Equal: A State-Based Plan for Electing the President by National Popular Vote. National Popular Vote Press.


Maisel, S. (2016). American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.


Thompson, D. (2004). Just Elections: Creating a Fair Electoral Process in the United States. University of Chicago Press.

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