Why the Electoral college should be preserved

[Dr. Who]

The 17th Amendment is one of the greatest mistakes made in American history.

The nation has evolved beyond the original notion of state sovereignty for most citizens. Most people don't really identify with their states the same way as they identify with their nationality. People simply move around far more than they did in the past and while they take their culture from their states as well as their families, there are not many young people today who believe that they will necessarily spend the rest of their lives in their birth state. They understand that they will have to live wherever they can find work. This is a fundamental change in how people view their states of origin and this has been happening for a long time. If you ask an American citizen travelling abroad where they are from, they will first identify themselves as American, with the State and City second. Identifying as American first and everything else second indicates the priority.

The EC assumes loyalty to the State first. I don't think that is true anymore. I think it ended when those who were involved with ratifying the constitution died and people decided that their Constitutional rights superceded any State notions of rights. Today there are very few States that could leave the union without sliding into third world status. As a result, people are questioning the EC and its abrogation of voter rights.

[Peter1469]

The nation has evolved beyond the original notion of state sovereignty for most citizens. Most people don't really identify with their states the same way as they identify with their nationality. People simply move around far more than they did in the past and while they take their culture from their states as well as their families, there are not many young people today who believe that they will necessarily spend the rest of their lives in their birth state. They understand that they will have to live wherever they can find work. This is a fundamental change in how people view their states of origin and this has been happening for a long time. If you ask an American citizen travelling abroad where they are from, they will first identify themselves as American, with the State and City second. Identifying as American first and everything else second indicates the priority.

The EC assumes loyalty to the State first. I don't think that is true anymore. I think it ended when those who were involved with ratifying the constitution died and people decided that their Constitutional rights superceded any State notions of rights. Today there are very few States that could leave the union without sliding into third world status. As a result, people are questioning the EC and its abrogation of voter rights.

That is why I want America back.

Not this new silly notion of democracy. Our Founders despised democracy. We should too.

[Chris]

The nation has evolved beyond the original notion of state sovereignty for most citizens. Most people don't really identify with their states the same way as they identify with their nationality. People simply move around far more than they did in the past and while they take their culture from their states as well as their families, there are not many young people today who believe that they will necessarily spend the rest of their lives in their birth state. They understand that they will have to live wherever they can find work. This is a fundamental change in how people view their states of origin and this has been happening for a long time. If you ask an American citizen travelling abroad where they are from, they will first identify themselves as American, with the State and City second. Identifying as American first and everything else second indicates the priority.

The EC assumes loyalty to the State first. I don't think that is true anymore. I think it ended when those who were involved with ratifying the constitution died and people decided that their Constitutional rights superceded any State notions of rights. Today there are very few States that could leave the union without sliding into third world status. As a result, people are questioning the EC and its abrogation of voter rights.

In a way, you are correct, but the rise of national populism spells doom to liberal democracy.

It is odd though, a week ago you argued for state's right in the case of CA auto restrictions, and here you've flipflopped to Constitutional rights.

[Dr. Who]

That is why I want America back.

Not this new silly notion of democracy. Our Founders despised democracy. We should too.

You are a dollar short and a day late. America is not remotely the place it was at its founding. Democracy entered the equation at least 100 years ago.

[Dr. Who]

In a way, you are correct, but the rise of national populism spells doom to liberal democracy.

It is odd though, a week ago you argued for state's right in the case of CA auto restrictions, and here you've flipflopped to Constitutional rights.

There are some things that should be state's rights, like preserving the health of their population where they have unique conditions that don't support lower emission standards. I don't think that Constitutional rights don't support the right to breath clean air despite political BS and cronyism.

[gamewell45]

I think we ought to keep the electoral college system; without it you could conceivably have a handful of populous states deciding presidential elections, thus basically disenfranchising the less populated states. At least that's the way I see it.

[Chris]

There are some things that should be state's rights, like preserving the health of their population where they have unique conditions that don't support lower emission standards. I don't think that Constitutional rights don't support the right to breath clean air despite political BS and cronyism.

Well, then, pray tell, by what consistent principle to do decide what things should be state's rights, those that serve your liberal agenda? Is that it?

[Dr. Who]

Well, then, pray tell, by what consistent principle to do decide what things should be state's rights, those that serve your liberal agenda? Is that it?

Perhaps something that truly affects all residents of the State, like air quality.

[Retirednsmilin308]

Most certainly it could be updated for our current times, and we could do away with the abuses of it, in the least.

JAP...all you have to do is see how some states are completely controlled by one or two major cities to now we need the votes in "flyover country" to count.

New York state is completely run by New York City. Upstate people have no say and their votes don't count.

Chicago dominates Illinois politics

...and SF & LA completely dominate California politics.


Those living in rural areas and minor cities have zero say in what happens.


The EC keeps NYC, Chicago, SF, and LA from dominating American politics.

Hillary's "popular vote count" was only five counties surrounding New York City.


This whole "eliminate the Electoral College" movement is all about trying to nullify the 2016 election...again

I will not be ruled by coastal elites.
They hate the way I live and want it stopped.

[Just AnotherPerson]

I think we ought to keep the electoral college system; without it you could conceivably have a handful of populous states deciding presidential elections, thus basically disenfranchising the less populated states. At least that's the way I see it.

I do respect your opinion but as we speak we have the smaller states with less people controlling it.