11/05/2024: Election Day

Summary

This video provides an insightful explanation of the U.S. Electoral College system, detailing its origins, the role of electors, and the intricacies of the election process. It emphasizes the complexities of U.S. elections, from local positions to presidential voting, and highlights the potential for political gridlock. The video also addresses election-related stress, offering expert advice on managing anxiety and sleep disturbances. Additionally, it features historical moments and fun facts, like Susan B. Anthony’s 1872 vote and a rare coin auction. A blend of political insight, historical context, and light-hearted cultural references makes this a comprehensive look at Election Day.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. presidential election is not a direct election; voters choose electors who decide the presidency through the Electoral College.
• 😀 The Electoral College system was designed to ensure that each state has a voice in the election, regardless of its population size.
• 😀 There are 538 electors in total, and a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
• 😀 If there is a tie in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives chooses the president and the Senate selects the vice president.
• 😀 U.S. elections involve more than just the presidency; voters also elect officials for local, state, and federal positions.
• 😀 The U.S. voting process is complex with over 10,000 voting jurisdictions across more than 3,000 counties, each with its own procedures.
• 😀 The 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 100 Senate seats are up for election, with the composition of these chambers affecting legislative success.
• 😀 If different political parties control the presidency and Congress, compromise is crucial for passing legislation.
• 😀 The election season can lead to sleep disturbances, known as 'alectomia,' due to anxiety and excessive media exposure.
• 😀 Experts advise limiting election news exposure, challenging negative thoughts, and focusing on what can be controlled to cope with election-related anxiety.
• 😀 On November 5th, 1872, Susan B. Anthony voted in a presidential election, even though women didn't have the right to vote yet.
• 😀 Franklin D. Roosevelt was re-elected on November 5th, 1940, becoming the first U.S. president to serve a third term.
• 😀 A rare 1975 dime with a minting error recently sold for a record-breaking price due to its rarity.
• 😀 U.S. classrooms across the country tuned in for coverage, with shout-outs to schools in Washington, Kansas, and Massachusetts.
• 😀 A fun segment highlighted a cake exhibition in the UK, where intricate wax sculptures of historical figures are made into edible masterpieces.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the U.S. Electoral College?

The U.S. Electoral College serves as the mechanism by which the president is elected. Voters in each state choose electors, who then cast the official votes to decide the president, based on the popular vote in their state. This indirect system helps balance the influence of different states in the election.

How are the number of electors for each state determined?

The number of electors each state has is based on its population and representation in Congress. Each state gets electors equal to its number of Congressional representatives (Senators and House members).

How many electors are there in total in the U.S. Electoral College?

There are 538 electors in total in the U.S. Electoral College. A candidate needs 270 electors to win the presidency.

What happens if there is a tie in the Electoral College?

In the event of a tie, where no candidate reaches the required 270 votes, the decision on the presidency goes to the U.S. House of Representatives, which will choose the winner.

Why did the founding fathers create the Electoral College system?

The founders created the Electoral College to ensure that each state, regardless of its population size, would have some influence in the election of the president. They also wanted to limit the direct influence of the public and entrust the final decision to electors who were seen as more politically informed.

What is the controversy surrounding the Electoral College?

The Electoral College has been controversial because there have been instances where a candidate won the popular vote but lost the election due to the Electoral College system. This has led to debates about whether the system is fair and representative of the will of the people.

What is the role of Congress in U.S. elections?

Congress plays a key role in U.S. elections by determining the time of elections and establishing rules for voting. Additionally, if no candidate reaches the necessary 270 votes in the Electoral College, the House of Representatives elects the president, and the Senate elects the vice president.

What is 'Alectomia' and how does it relate to elections?

'Alectomia' refers to election-related insomnia or stress, where individuals have difficulty sleeping due to anxiety over the election. The stress can be triggered by constant news coverage, political debates, and personal concerns about the outcome.

What advice does sleep specialist Michelle Drup give for handling election stress?

Michelle Drup advises limiting exposure to election news before bedtime, focusing on positive and manageable thoughts, and staying grounded in the present moment. She suggests avoiding 'what-if' scenarios and challenges negative thoughts to help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.

What historical event occurred on November 5th, 1872, involving Susan B. Anthony?

On November 5th, 1872, women's rights activist Susan B. Anthony voted in the U.S. presidential election, arguing that the 14th Amendment gave her the right to vote. However, she was fined $1100 for voting illegally, although she never paid the fine.

What is the significance of Franklin D. Roosevelt's election in 1940?

In 1940, Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first and only U.S. president to be elected to a third term. This led to the ratification of the 22nd Amendment in 1951, which now limits U.S. presidents to two terms in office.