Final answer:
The most common electoral system in the United States is the plurality or first-past-the-post system. Candidates can win with the most votes, even without a majority. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness are often cited as the reasons for its prevalence, despite limitations and challenges for minority party representation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common form of electoral system in the United States is the plurality voting system, also known as the first-past-the-post system. In this system, the candidate with the most votes wins the election, which may result in winning with less than a majority when multiple candidates are running. It is the predominant method for electing members of Congress and for allotting presidential electors, where the winner in each state receives all of the state's electoral votes, except in Maine and Nebraska.
While the plurality system is considered simpler and more straightforward than other systems such as proportional representation, it can lead to scenarios where a candidate wins even though the majority of votes are cast for other candidates. This occurs because the victory only requires a candidate to have more votes than any other individual candidate. Moreover, the system is challenging for smaller parties to gain representation and can be influenced by other factors like the Electoral College, campaign laws, and primary elections.
Historically, candidates such as Abraham Lincoln have won the presidency through this system with less than a majority due to multiple parties splitting the vote. Critics of plurality voting argue that it limits voter choice and can result in elected officials who do not represent the majority of constituents. However, others justify the system for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness in identifying a victor in democratic elections.