Final answer:
The Electoral College affects how presidential candidates campaign and has implications for the balance of power between small and large states. Arguments for and against the system revolve around state representation and the actual reflection of the popular vote.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Electoral College impacts presidential campaign strategies by causing candidates to focus on swing states, where the outcome is uncertain, rather than evenly distributing their efforts across all states. The arguments for maintaining the Electoral College include protecting the interests of smaller states and ensuring diverse regional representation, while arguments for switching to a national popular vote include ensuring that every individual vote carries equal weight, thereby more accurately representing the popular will.
Some advocate for keeping the system to preserve the representative power of small states, as each state's minimum of three electoral votes amplifies their influence. Conversely, electoral reform proposals aim to rectify the disconnect between the electoral and popular vote outcomes, as seen in occasions where the electoral winner did not secure the most votes nationally. Ultimately, the balance between changing or maintaining the system remains a contentious issue, with strong arguments and vested interests on both sides.