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The primary function of any electoral college is to directly elect a head of state.
Answer: False
While electoral colleges are involved in electing officials, their primary function is often indirect appointment, particularly for heads of state or government, rather than direct election. The definition emphasizes appointment and indirect election.
Electors in an electoral college are always elected directly by the general population.
Answer: False
Electors are not always elected directly by the general population; they can also be selected by subregional entities or social organizations, making the overall process an indirect election.
A parliamentary body that regularly convenes is typically referred to as an electoral college.
Answer: False
A standing constituent body, such as a parliament, that is not convened specifically for an election task is generally not referred to as an electoral college.
The primary purpose of an electoral college is typically to appoint officials rather than directly elect them.
Answer: True
Electoral colleges are generally established as constitutional bodies tasked with appointing officials, often indirectly, rather than directly electing them through popular vote.
What is the fundamental role of an electoral college as described in the source?
Answer: To elect a candidate to a specific office, often indirectly appointing a head of state or government.
The source defines an electoral college as a body whose primary task is to elect a candidate to a particular office, frequently serving as a constitutional mechanism for appointing a head of state or government.
Which of the following is NOT a typical method for choosing electors mentioned in the source?
Answer: Appointment by the incumbent head of state.
The source indicates that electors are typically chosen either by direct election by the general population for the specific purpose of casting votes, or by selection through subregional entities or social organizations. Appointment by the incumbent head of state is not listed as a typical method.
Under what condition is a body NOT typically referred to as an electoral college, according to the text?
Answer: If it is a standing constituent body, like a parliament, not convened for a specific election task.
A body is generally not classified as an electoral college if it is a standing constituent body, such as a parliament, that operates continuously and is not convened solely for the specific task of electing officials.
The United States Electoral College is the only remaining electoral college in democracies used to indirectly elect an executive president.
Answer: True
The United States Electoral College is unique among contemporary democracies as it is the sole remaining mechanism of this type employed for the indirect election of an executive president.
The foundational argument for the U.S. Electoral College is to ensure that candidates focus solely on winning votes in the most populated areas.
Answer: False
A foundational argument for the U.S. Electoral College is precisely the opposite: to require candidates to appeal to voters across a broad range of states, rather than concentrating solely on highly populated areas.
Federalist No. 68 suggests that only superficial qualities are needed to become president of the United States.
Answer: False
Federalist No. 68 argues that the office of president requires superior talents and merit, suggesting that more than superficial qualities are necessary for national leadership.
An argument for the U.S. Electoral College is that it prevents a tyranny of the majority by giving disproportionate power to densely populated areas.
Answer: False
An argument for the U.S. Electoral College is that it prevents a tyranny of the majority by ensuring that a majority concentrated in densely populated areas cannot disregard the interests of less populated states.
Over 700 proposals to reform or abolish the U.S. Electoral College have been introduced in Congress since the year 1800.
Answer: True
Legislative records indicate that since 1800, more than 700 proposals aimed at reforming or abolishing the U.S. Electoral College have been introduced in Congress.
Advocates for reforming the U.S. Electoral College argue it guarantees a direct democratic election.
Answer: False
Advocates for reform or elimination argue that the Electoral College system does not ensure a direct democratic election, as it can allow a candidate to win without securing the national popular vote.
Constitutional amendments to reform the U.S. Electoral College have historically failed due to lack of support in Congress and state ratification.
Answer: True
Efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution regarding the Electoral College have historically failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and subsequent ratification by three-fourths of the states.
A primary criticism of the U.S. Electoral College is that it can lead to a president winning without the national popular vote.
Answer: True
A significant criticism leveled against the U.S. Electoral College is its potential to result in a presidential victory for a candidate who did not secure the majority of the national popular vote.
Federalist No. 68 argues for the necessity of electing presidents based solely on popularity within individual states.
Answer: False
Federalist No. 68 advocates for a presidential election process that requires broader national merit, rather than being based solely on popularity within individual states.
The U.S. Electoral College was established to ensure candidates must build broad coalitions across diverse states.
Answer: True
A key argument for the U.S. Electoral College is that it compels presidential candidates to seek support across a variety of states, thereby fostering the development of broad coalitions.
The U.S. Electoral College system has faced over 700 proposals for reform or abolition since 1800.
Answer: True
Historical records indicate that more than 700 proposals aimed at reforming or abolishing the U.S. Electoral College have been introduced in Congress since the year 1800.
Federalist No. 68 argued that the president should be elected based on popularity within individual states.
Answer: False
Federalist No. 68 posited that the presidency requires a higher caliber of merit and national appeal than might be sufficient for election within a single state, thus supporting an indirect election mechanism.
What makes the United States Electoral College unique among modern democracies?
Answer: It is the only remaining electoral college used to indirectly elect an executive president.
The United States Electoral College is distinguished as the sole remaining electoral college in modern democracies that is utilized for the indirect election of an executive president.
According to the source, what is a key argument for the U.S. Electoral College's role in federalism?
Answer: It requires presidential candidates to appeal to voters across a wide range of states, not just populous ones.
A central argument for the U.S. Electoral College within the framework of federalism is that it necessitates presidential candidates engaging with voters across a diverse array of states, rather than concentrating solely on densely populated regions.
Federalist No. 68, cited in the text, suggests that the presidency requires qualifications beyond what is needed for:
Answer: Serving as a state governor.
Federalist No. 68 posits that the office of the President of the United States demands superior national merit and qualifications that exceed those required for leadership within a single state, such as serving as a governor.
How does the U.S. Electoral College purportedly protect less populated states, according to the provided text?
Answer: By ensuring that a majority concentrated in densely populated areas cannot disregard the interests of less populated rural states.
An argument in favor of the Electoral College is that it serves to protect less populated states by preventing a majority concentrated in densely populated areas from dominating the election and disregarding the interests of rural states.
What is a primary reason cited by advocates for reforming or eliminating the U.S. Electoral College?
Answer: It grants disproportionate power to less populous states.
Advocates for reforming or eliminating the U.S. Electoral College frequently cite concerns that the system grants disproportionate power to less populous states and does not guarantee a direct democratic election.
Why have efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution regarding the Electoral College historically failed?
Answer: They failed to achieve the necessary two-thirds majority in Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.
Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states; efforts to reform the Electoral College have historically failed to meet these stringent requirements.
What is a significant criticism of the U.S. Electoral College mentioned in the text?
Answer: It consistently leads to presidents who lose the popular vote.
A primary criticism of the U.S. Electoral College is that it can result in a president being elected despite not winning the national popular vote, which critics deem undemocratic.
What is the significance of Federalist No. 68 regarding the U.S. Electoral College?
Answer: It supports the Electoral College by suggesting the presidency requires superior national merit.
Federalist No. 68 is significant as it provides an argument in favor of the Electoral College, positing that the office of president necessitates a higher caliber of national merit and broader qualifications than might be sufficient for lesser offices.
Which of the following is a key argument *against* the U.S. Electoral College, according to the source?
Answer: It does not ensure a direct democratic election.
A primary argument against the U.S. Electoral College is that it does not guarantee a direct democratic election, as the winner of the popular vote may not win the presidency.
The German Bundesversammlung is a permanent legislative body that also elects the Federal President.
Answer: False
The German Bundesversammlung, or Federal Convention, is not a permanent legislative body; it convenes exclusively for the purpose of electing the Federal President.
The German Bundesversammlung is composed of members from the Bundestag and representatives from state parliaments.
Answer: True
The German Bundesversammlung is constituted by an equal number of members from the Bundestag (federal parliament) and delegates representing the state parliaments.
The Italian electoral college for presidential elections includes members of both chambers of parliament and special electors chosen by regional councils.
Answer: True
The Italian electoral college comprises all members of both chambers of Parliament meeting in joint session, augmented by special electors appointed by the regional councils.
The Pope is elected by a council of all Catholic bishops.
Answer: False
The Pope is elected by a papal conclave, which is composed of cardinals under the age of 80, not all Catholic bishops.
Only cardinals over the age of 80 are eligible to participate in a papal conclave.
Answer: False
Eligibility for participation in a papal conclave is restricted to cardinals who are under the age of 80 at the time of the conclave.
French senators are indirectly elected by municipal councillors.
Answer: False
French senators are indirectly elected by regional electoral colleges composed of delegates, primarily appointed by municipal councillors.
The States of Election in Guernsey is responsible for electing the President of the island.
Answer: False
The States of Election in Guernsey has the specific function of electing a Jurat to serve on the Courts of Guernsey, not a president.
The first presidential election of the French Fifth Republic used direct popular vote.
Answer: False
The initial presidential election of the French Fifth Republic was decided by an electoral college; direct popular vote was implemented later following a 1962 referendum.
Finland used an electoral college for presidential elections from 1925 until 1988.
Answer: True
Finland employed an electoral college system for its presidential elections during the period spanning from 1925 to 1988, with certain exceptions.
Finland introduced direct presidential elections in 1988, immediately eliminating the need for an electoral college in any scenario.
Answer: False
While Finland introduced direct presidential elections in 1988, the electoral college could still be convened if no candidate secured a majority of the popular vote, indicating it was not immediately eliminated in all scenarios.
During Spain's Second Republic, the president was elected by a combination of parliament members and elected 'compromisarios'.
Answer: True
In Spain's Second Republic (1931-1939), the president was elected by an electoral college composed of parliament members and an equal number of 'compromisarios' elected democratically.
The German Bundesversammlung's equal composition of federal and state representatives reflects a balance of power.
Answer: True
The equal representation of federal (Bundestag) and state (delegates from state parliaments) members in the German Bundesversammlung is designed to reflect and maintain a balance of power within the federal system.
Regional councils in Italy play a minor role in presidential elections, appointing only a few electors.
Answer: False
Regional councils in Italy play a significant role by appointing 58 special electors who join the parliamentary members to form the electoral college for presidential elections.
The papal conclave is open to all cardinals regardless of age.
Answer: False
Participation in the papal conclave is restricted to cardinals who are under the age of 80 at the time the conclave begins.
France transitioned to direct presidential elections by popular vote after a 1962 referendum.
Answer: True
Following a 1962 referendum, France abolished its electoral college system for presidential elections and implemented direct popular vote, beginning with the 1965 election.
The German Bundesversammlung consists solely of members of the Bundestag.
Answer: False
The German Bundesversammlung is composed of members from the Bundestag and delegates from state parliaments, not solely members of the Bundestag.
What is the exclusive purpose of the German Bundesversammlung?
Answer: To elect the Federal President of Germany.
The German Bundesversammlung, or Federal Convention, convenes solely for the purpose of electing the Federal President of Germany.
The German Bundesversammlung is composed of:
Answer: Members of the Bundestag and representatives delegated by state parliaments.
The German Bundesversammlung is constituted by an equal number of members from the Bundestag and representatives who are delegated by the respective state parliaments.
Who elects the Pope, and what is this electoral body called?
Answer: Cardinals under 80; a Papal Conclave.
The Pope is elected by a papal conclave, an electoral body composed of all cardinals of the Catholic Church who are under the age of 80 at the time of the conclave.
In France, who primarily forms the 'grands électeurs' that make up the regional electoral colleges for electing senators?
Answer: Delegates primarily appointed by municipal councillors.
The 'grands électeurs' who form the regional electoral colleges for electing French senators are primarily delegates appointed by municipal councillors.
What was the specific function of the States of Election in Guernsey?
Answer: To elect a new Jurat to serve on the Courts of Guernsey.
The States of Election in Guernsey has the singular and specific function of electing a Jurat to serve on the Courts of Guernsey.
How did Finland's presidential election process change after 1988?
Answer: Direct presidential elections were introduced, but an electoral college could still be used if no candidate won a majority.
After 1988, Finland introduced direct presidential elections, but the electoral college remained a potential mechanism, convened if no candidate secured a popular majority, a system further modified by a second round of popular voting from 1994.
The composition of the German Bundesversammlung, with equal representation from the Bundestag and state parliaments, reflects:
Answer: The principle of federalism by balancing federal and state interests.
The equal representation of federal legislative members (Bundestag) and state parliamentary delegates within the German Bundesversammlung embodies the principle of federalism by balancing federal and state interests in the election of the Federal President.
In Italy's presidential election, what role do the regional councils play?
Answer: They appoint 58 special electors who join parliamentary members.
The regional councils of Italy play a role in presidential elections by appointing 58 special electors, who then join the members of the Italian Parliament in joint session to form the electoral college.
Prior to 1840, most Latin American presidents were elected directly by popular vote.
Answer: False
Prior to 1840, the election of presidents in most Latin American countries was conducted indirectly, typically through legislative bodies or specific electoral colleges.
Argentina utilized an electoral college for presidential elections until the constitutional amendment in 1994.
Answer: True
Argentina's 1853 Constitution established an electoral college system for presidential elections, which remained in effect until the constitutional reforms of 1994.
Argentina replaced its electoral college system with a direct popular vote system immediately after the 1949 constitutional amendment.
Answer: False
Argentina's electoral college system was replaced by a modified two-round system of direct elections following the 1994 constitutional amendment, not immediately after the 1949 amendment.
Brazil's presidential elections during the military dictatorship (after 1964) were decided by direct popular vote.
Answer: False
During Brazil's military dictatorship after 1964, presidential elections were conducted by an electoral college, not by direct popular vote.
Colombia discontinued its electoral college system in 1910.
Answer: True
Colombia eliminated its electoral college system in the year 1910.
Paraguay has continuously used direct popular vote elections since its 1870 Constitution.
Answer: False
Paraguay employed an electoral college under its 1870 Constitution, transitioning to direct popular vote elections later, specifically after the 1940 constitution.
Chile utilized an electoral college for presidential elections from 1829 through 1920.
Answer: True
Chile's presidential elections were conducted via an electoral college system, established by the 1828 Constitution, from 1829 until 1920.
Regional councillors in Chile were elected by direct popular vote until 2009.
Answer: False
Regional councillors in Chile were elected through provincial electoral colleges, formed by communal councillors, prior to 2009, not by direct popular vote.
Before 1918, Uruguay used departmental electoral colleges to elect senators.
Answer: True
Prior to 1918, Uruguay employed departmental electoral colleges, each comprising 15 members, for the specific purpose of electing senators to represent those departments.
In Argentina, the electoral college system for presidential elections was replaced by a modified two-round system of direct elections after the 1994 constitutional amendment.
Answer: True
Following the 1994 constitutional amendment, Argentina transitioned from its electoral college system to a modified two-round system of direct popular elections for its president.
Before 1840, how were presidents commonly elected in Latin American countries?
Answer: By legislative bodies or specific electoral colleges (indirectly).
Prior to 1840, the election of presidents in most Latin American nations was conducted indirectly, typically through legislative bodies or designated electoral colleges.
Argentina's 1853 Constitution established an electoral college system for electing the president. When was this system finally replaced?
Answer: In 1995, after the 1994 constitutional amendment.
Argentina's electoral college system, established by the 1853 Constitution, was finally replaced by a modified two-round system of direct elections following the constitutional amendment in 1994, implemented from the 1995 general election.
During Brazil's military dictatorship after 1964, who composed the electoral college that selected the president?
Answer: Senators, deputies, state deputies, and lawmakers from various cities.
During Brazil's military dictatorship after 1964, the electoral college responsible for selecting the president was composed of senators, deputies, state deputies, and lawmakers from various cities.
Which country, mentioned in the source, eliminated its electoral college system in 1910?
Answer: Colombia
Colombia discontinued its electoral college system in the year 1910.
Chile utilized an electoral college for presidential elections under its 1828 Constitution until which election year?
Answer: 1920
Chile's presidential elections were conducted via an electoral college system, established by the 1828 Constitution, from 1829 through the 1920 election.
The text mentions that prior to 1840, most presidents in Latin American countries were elected:
Answer: Indirectly, using legislative bodies or electoral colleges.
Prior to 1840, the election of presidents in most Latin American countries was conducted indirectly, typically through legislative bodies or designated electoral colleges.
What electoral system replaced the electoral college in Brazil after the end of the military dictatorship?
Answer: A two-round system of direct election by popular vote.
Following the conclusion of the military dictatorship and the enactment of a new constitution in 1988, Brazil transitioned to a two-round system of direct election by popular vote for its presidential elections.
The President of Pakistan is directly elected by popular vote.
Answer: False
The President of Pakistan is indirectly elected by the Electoral College of Pakistan, which comprises members of the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies.
The Indian Electoral College includes only the elected members of the Parliament of India.
Answer: False
The Indian Electoral College comprises elected members of both the Parliament of India and the elected members of the state legislative assemblies.
The President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was elected by the National Assembly until 1996.
Answer: True
From 1948 until 1996, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was elected by the National Assembly, after which direct presidential elections were instituted.
During South Korea's Fourth and Fifth Republics, the president was elected by direct popular vote.
Answer: False
During South Korea's Fourth and Fifth Republics (1972-1981), the president was elected by an electoral college known as the National Conference for Unification.
In Apartheid-era South Africa (1961-1983), the state president was appointed by a joint session of the House of Assembly and the Senate.
Answer: True
Between 1961 and 1983, the state president of South Africa was appointed through a joint session comprising all members of the House of Assembly and the Senate.
The electoral college established after South Africa's 1983 Constitution comprised only members of the House of Assembly.
Answer: False
The electoral college established after South Africa's 1983 Constitution included designated members from the House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the House of Delegates.
The National Conference for Unification in South Korea was an electoral college composed of directly elected representatives.
Answer: False
The National Conference for Unification in South Korea, which served as the electoral college during the Fourth and Fifth Republics, was not composed of directly elected representatives.
How is the President of Pakistan elected according to the source?
Answer: Through the Electoral College of Pakistan, comprising Parliament and Provincial Assemblies.
The President of Pakistan is elected indirectly via the Electoral College of Pakistan, which is constituted by the members of both the Parliament of Pakistan and its Provincial Assemblies.
Which bodies constitute the Electoral College for electing the President of India?
Answer: Elected members of Parliament and elected members of state legislative assemblies.
The Electoral College for electing the President of India is composed of the elected members of both the Parliament of India and the elected members of the legislative assemblies of the states and union territories.
What body elected the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) between 1948 and 1996?
Answer: The National Assembly.
Between 1948 and 1996, the President of the Republic of China (Taiwan) was elected by the National Assembly.
During South Korea's Fourth and Fifth Republics (1972-1981), what body served as the electoral college for presidential elections?
Answer: The National Conference for Unification.
During South Korea's Fourth and Fifth Republics (1972-1981), the National Conference for Unification functioned as the electoral college for presidential elections.
Following the adoption of South Africa's 1983 Constitution, the new electoral college for presidential appointments included members from:
Answer: The House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and House of Delegates.
The electoral college established after South Africa's 1983 Constitution comprised designated members from the House of Assembly, the House of Representatives, and the House of Delegates.
Norway shifted from direct elections to regional electoral colleges for its Storting between 1814 and 1905.
Answer: False
Norway utilized regional electoral colleges for electing members to its Storting from 1814 to 1905, after which it transitioned to direct elections.
The Holy Roman Empire used a system where the Pope directly appointed the ruler.
Answer: False
The Holy Roman Empire utilized an electoral college, specifically the Electoral College of the Holy Roman Empire, to choose its ruler, rather than direct appointment by the Pope.
The 'See also' section of the article mentions 'Direct democracy' as a related concept.
Answer: False
The 'See also' section of the article mentions 'Representative democracy', not 'Direct democracy', as a related concept.
Which historical example illustrates a transition from electoral colleges to direct elections in Europe?
Answer: Finland's presidential elections after 1988.
Finland's transition to direct presidential elections after 1988, following a period of using an electoral college, exemplifies a broader European trend of moving towards direct democratic mandates for leadership.