Why the Electoral College is Bad for America Book Summary

In 'Why the Electoral College is Bad for America,' George C. Edwards confronts the controversial mechanism that shapes presidential elections. He argues that the Electoral College distorts the democratic process, favoring certain states over others and undermining the principle of one person, one vote. Through compelling evidence and historical context, Edwards illustrates how this system can manipulate outcomes and disenfranchise voters. As he delves into potential reforms, he raises critical questions about the integrity of American democracy. Prepare to challenge your understanding of electoral fairness and rethink the roots of political representation.

By George C. Edwards

Published: 2005

"The Electoral College distorts the democratic process, hindering true representation and undermining the foundation of a government by the people."

Book Review of Why the Electoral College is Bad for America

A distinguished political scientist critiques arguments in favor of the electoral college and offers a persuasive argument for direct election of the president. “[With] excellent descriptions of how the electoral system actually works, [this] is the most cogent and up-todate criticism I have read.”—Alexander Keyssar, New York Review of Books “This crisp handbook . . . outlines the origins of the electoral college . . . and demonstrates the many ways it violates democratic norms.”—New Yorker “Timely [and] relevant. . . . [Edwards’s] principal lines of argument deserve extensive debate in both the news media and the Congress.”—Lewis H. Lapham, Harper’s “Compelling . . . [and] meticulous.”—Glenn C. Altschuler, New York Observer

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The Electoral College distorts the democratic process, hindering true representation and undermining the foundation of a government by the people.

Why the Electoral College is Bad for America

By George C. Edwards