Final answer:
The number of electors for each state in the Electoral College is determined by the total number of its U.S. Senators and House Representatives. The House of Representatives seats are based on the state's population as established by the U.S. Census, with a fixed total of 435 seats, which, combined with Senate seats and additional electors for Washington, D.C., results in a total of 538 electors. The correct answer is option D) The state's population divided by the number of counties in that state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of electors per state is determined by the sum of its U.S. Senators and House of Representatives members. Every state has two Senators, and the number of House members is based on the state's population, as determined by the U.S. Census that occurs every ten years. For instance, less populated states like North and South Dakota have a minimum of three electors, while a highly populated state like California has 55 electors.
The total number of House seats is fixed at 435, as per the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929. Adding to these are the 100 Senate seats (two for each state), plus an additional three electors for Washington, D.C., resulting in a total of 538 electors in the Electoral College. To win the presidency, a candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes.
In most states, the Electoral College votes are awarded on a winner-take-all basis to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. However, Maine and Nebraska use a congressional district method where electoral votes are also given based on the popular vote within each congressional district.