Primary Sources: Hamilton and the Electoral College, Federalist Paper 68
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QUESTION
1
of 4
Who chooses the electors?
A
the president
B
the Senate
C
the House of Representatives
D
the people
Next
A person sitting in a room.
A painting from 1900 of Alexander Hamilton drafting a version of the Constitution in 1787.
By Alexander Hamilton, adapted by Newsela staff
WORDS787
PUBLISHED12/13/2016
_Editor's Note: The American colonies fought to free themselves from England. After they succeeded, a constitution of laws was written to govern the country in 1787. The states had to approve it first. Many states worried that a president would have the power of a king. Some people spoke and wrote against and for the new Constitution. The Federalist Papers were 85 letters. They were published in two New York newspapers. They were written to support the new Constitution. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote them between 1787 and 1788. Federalist Paper 68 was written by Alexander Hamilton. He tried to calm fears that the president would have the power of a king. Letter 68 explained how the Constitution set rules for groups of electors in each state and the election of the president. Today, the group of electors is known as the Electoral College._
_The Electoral College has sometimes been controversial. Instead of the election of the president being decided by who gets the most votes, the choice is made by a few hundred people. They are chosen for that special purpose. Each state has a certain number of electors. They are supposed to be very wise men and women. They decide which presidential candidate can do the best job. They can block the popular vote if they decide that Americans chose the wrong person._
Electing The President
From the New York Packet
Friday, March 14, 1788
HAMILTON
To the people of the state of New York,
Many parts of the Constitution have been criticized. But, how we choose the president is not one of them. I believe that this part is not perfect, but it is excellent.
The people should control the choice of the person to lead this country. The right to decide is not given to any special group. It belongs to electors chosen by the people for this special purpose.
They are those most able to know what qualities are needed to be president. A small number of men will be chosen as electors by their fellow citizens. These men will have the information and judgment needed to elect the president.
This is to be done peacefully with no violence. Having a group of electors will surely calm the community.
"Guards Against These Kinds Of Dangers"
It is also important that the electors meet and vote in the state in which they are chosen. Many believe there would be more disagreement and argument if they were all meeting at one time, in one place.
Foreign powers could try to change the minds of our leaders and electors. But the Constitution wisely guards against these kinds of danger. The president can not be chosen by groups of men who might sell their votes. Those who work with the president in office cannot be electors. Also, no senator, representative, or other person holding a place of trust under the United States can be an elector. These men meet for such a short time in all 13 states. This means their voting can be done quickly and honestly.
The number of electors is equal to the number of senators and representatives of each state in the national government. These electors meet in their state and vote for the president. Their votes will be sent to the seat of the national government. The person who has a majority of the whole number of votes will be the president. But if there is a tie, the House of Representatives must vote. They will choose the president from 5 men, who had the highest number of votes. He is reelected in the same way.
"We Will Have Honest Presidents"
The best man will be elected to the office of president. Having less talent, but being popular may allow a man to win a single state. But it will require other talents, and great skill to win the support of the whole country. We will have honest presidents that have many skills to lead us.
The vice president will be chosen in the same way. But the Senate decides if there is a tie.
Some have said the country does not need to elect a vice president. They think that a Senate member could serve in this office. This presents two problems. The vice president is also the president of the Senate. He only votes on laws if there is a tie. This means the senator that is vice president can not vote for laws. It takes a vote away from the people and state that elected the senator. The other problem is that the vice president may become a substitute for the president and then a new senator would have to be elected.
In Federalist Paper 68, Alexander Hamilton explains how the Constitution sets rules for groups of electors in each state and the election of the president. He argues that the people should have the ultimate control in choosing the president, but that this right is not given directly to the people. Instead, electors, who are chosen by the people, are entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the president. Hamilton believes that these electors, who are supposed to be wise and knowledgeable individuals, will have the information and judgment required to make the best decision. He also emphasizes the importance of electors meeting and voting in their respective states, as it reduces disagreement and the potential for foreign interference. Additionally, Hamilton mentions that certain individuals, such as those who work with the president or hold positions of trust, are prohibited from being electors to ensure the integrity of the process. The number of electors is equal to the number of senators and representatives from each state, and their votes are sent to the national government. If there is a tie, the House of Representatives will vote to choose the president from the top five candidates. Hamilton concludes by stating that the presidency requires not just popularity, but also various talents and skills, and that the selection of the vice president follows a similar process with the Senate having the final say. Hamilton dismisses the idea of a Senate member serving as vice president, as it would take away a vote from the people and state that elected the senator and would create the need for a new senator to be elected.
1
of 4
Who chooses the electors?
A
the president
B
the Senate
C
the House of Representatives
D
the people
D
the people
What is the duty of an elector?
A
to choose the president
B
to settle arguments and disagreements
C
to appoint judges
D
to choose senators and representatives
A
to choose the president
What qualities does Alexander Hamilton think a person should have to be the best president?
A
a person who is quick and hard working
B
a person who has been an elector in the past
C
a person who is honest and has leadership skills
D
a person who has a good personality and is very popular
C
a person who is honest and has leadership skills
How does the following sentence contribute to the development of the MAIN idea in the article?
I believe that this part is not perfect, but it is excellent.
A
It shows that there are problems with using electors.
B
It shows that Hamilton is worried about using electors.
C
It states reasons why others have praised using electors.
D
It states Hamilton's view that using electors is a smart choice.
D
It states Hamilton's view that using electors is a smart choice.
Which paragraph from the section "Guards Against These Kinds Of Dangers" explains the process that will be used by the Electoral College?
A
The number of electors is equal to the number of senators and representatives of each state in the national government. These electors meet in their state and vote for the president. Their votes will be sent to the seat of the national government. The person who has a majority of the whole number of votes will be the president. But if there is a tie, the House of Representatives must vote. They will choose the president from 5 men, who had the highest number of votes. He is reelected in the same way.
B
The Electoral College has sometimes been controversial. Instead of the election of the president being decided by who gets the most votes, the choice is made by a few hundred people. They are chosen for that special purpose. Each state has a certain number of electors. They are supposed to be very wise men and women. They decide which presidential candidate can do the best job. They can block the popular vote if they decide that Americans chose the wrong person.
C
It is also important that the electors meet and vote in the state in which they are chosen. Many believe there would be more disagreement and argument if they were all meeting at one time, in one place.
D
Foreign powers could try to change the minds of our leaders and electors. But the Constitution wisely guards against these kinds of danger. The president can not be chosen by groups of men who might sell their votes. Those who work with the president in office cannot be electors. Also, no senator, representative, or other person holding a place of trust under the United States can be an elector. These men meet for such a short time in all 13 states. This means their voting can be done quickly and honestly.
E
Other