Discussion Questions for National Popular Vote Compact
April 2008 Unit Meetings

1. What presidential election difficulties could be solved with a national popular vote?

2.  What other benefits might result from a national popular presidential election? Do you have any personal frustrations with the current electoral college system? Do you benefit from it in any way?

3.  What are the difficulties with the National Popular Vote Compact System we are considering? Are the counter-arguments in the materials adequate? If not, why not? Why have reformers chosen to work for this state compact system?

4.  The New York State League of Women Voters chose to exclude any discussion of arguments in favor of the electoral college system from their study because the National League already supports direct election of the president. Those who favor retaining some form of the electoral college contend that it reinforces the two party system which they in turn argue supports compromise and stability in our diverse and fractured society. What are your thoughts on this question?   Would you like the LWV of Utah or Salt Lake to discuss the positive and negative aspects of the two party system? (We might do a series of unit or general meetings on similar questions such as balance of power between the executive and legislative branches in the state and federal governments.)

5.   Do you feel sufficiently prepared to vote for or against a National Popular Vote Compact Study at the LWVUS Convention in June?  

Download four-page narrative from the New York League of Women Voters, and a 10-page Draft Study Guide.

You may also go to the website of the League of Women Voters of New York for even more background. I recommend the paper on the history of the Electoral College.

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