Mit weniger Stimmen zum Sieg? | Das US-Wahlsystem einfach erklärt

Summary

The video discusses the U.S. electoral process, highlighting how Donald Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton despite receiving fewer popular votes, due to the Electoral College system. It explains that elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, and how each state has a set number of electoral votes based on population. The concept of battleground states is introduced, emphasizing their unpredictable outcomes. Additionally, it touches on low voter turnout and the importance of congressional elections, noting the split control of the House and Senate as the elections approach.

Takeaways

• 😀 Donald Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton despite losing the popular vote, due to the Electoral College system.
• 🗳️ U.S. elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, a tradition since 1845.
• 🌾 The timing of the election was established to accommodate farmers after the harvest season.
• 📅 The winner of the election begins their term in January of the following year, serving a four-year term.
• 🔴 The Democratic Party is considered liberal, while the Republican Party is viewed as conservative in the U.S.
• 🏛️ The President is elected indirectly through the Electoral College, not directly by popular vote.
• 📊 Each state has a different number of electoral votes based on its population, with a total of 538 electoral votes available.
• ✅ To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes.
• 🌍 In 48 out of 50 states, the 'winner takes all' principle applies, meaning the candidate with the most votes in a state gets all its electoral votes.
• 🔄 Voter turnout in the U.S. is relatively low, with about 66% participation in the 2020 election, reflecting challenges in voter registration.

Q & A

What was the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election?

Donald Trump won the election against Hillary Clinton, despite Clinton receiving more popular votes.

What system determines the election of the U.S. President?

The U.S. President is elected indirectly through the Electoral College, not directly by popular vote.

How many electoral votes are needed to win the presidency?

A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency out of a total of 538.

What is the significance of battleground states in U.S. elections?

Battleground states can swing either way in elections, meaning they are crucial for determining the overall winner.

What does the 'winner takes all' principle mean in the context of U.S. elections?

In 48 of 50 states, the candidate who receives the most votes gets all of that state's electoral votes.

What was the voter turnout percentage in the 2020 U.S. election?

The voter turnout in the 2020 election was approximately 66%, translating to about 159 million eligible voters.

What challenges contribute to low voter registration in the U.S.?

There are no automatic voter registration systems in place, requiring individuals to proactively register themselves.

What other elections occur on the same day as the presidential election?

On the same day, congressional elections are held, including all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats.

Which political parties are mentioned in the transcript?

The transcript mentions the Democratic Party, which is liberal, and the Republican Party, which is conservative.

What do many Americans think about the Electoral College system?

A majority of Americans favor changing the electoral system so that the candidate with the most votes is elected president.