Question

How does the Electoral College affect candidates' campaign focus? Match the attributes:

a) Larger population states - Advantage
b) Smaller population states - Advantage
c) Swing states - Advantage
d) Non-swing states - Advantage

Answer 1

The Electoral College system affects candidates' campaign focus by directing their attention towards larger population states and swing states, while non-swing states may receive less attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Electoral College affects candidates' campaign focus in several ways:

1. Larger population states - Advantage: Candidates will likely focus more on larger population states because winning those states would give them a significant number of electoral votes. For example, winning California (with 55 electoral votes) can have a major impact on the overall outcome of the election.
2. Swing states - Advantage: Candidates will also focus heavily on swing states, which are states that do not consistently vote for one party. These states are viewed as battleground states, and winning them can heavily influence the election. Candidates spend a lot of time and resources campaigning in swing states to win over the voters there.
3. Non-swing states - Advantage: Conversely, candidates may not focus as much on non-swing states, which are states that consistently vote for one party. Since the outcome in these states is fairly predictable, candidates may choose to focus their attention and resources elsewhere.

Overall, the Electoral College system shapes the campaign focus of candidates by directing their attention towards larger population states, swing states, and away from non-swing states.