Don Ritchie, Senate Associate Historian and co-author of "Our Constitution", discusses the history and procedure of the Electoral College and its electors at the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the Electoral College? According to Mr. Ritchie, why does the U.S. need an Electoral College? How does he use history and the views held by the Constitution's framers to support his opinion?
2. Explain the role of the Electoral College electors. Where do they meet to cast their ballots for president and vice president? What happens to these ballots?
3. When are the ballots from the Electoral College officially read? What occurs during this ceremony? Mr. Ritchie says, "most of the time nobody pays attention to it." Why?
4. Watch the full program here (1 hr). List some of the problems that were associated with the early elections after George Washington was elected president. How were these problems rectified?