For this discussion, you are going to research the founders intent with regards to the Electoral College, as well as why there is a growing movement to eliminate it.  Watch the following video, do any extra research as necessary and then answer the following questions:

https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2019/01/12/electoral-college-reform-conservatives-223965

1.) Based on the video, what was the founders intent with the Electoral College?  How does it actually work?

2.) In 2020, is this system still the best one for us or should popular vote determine our president?

3.) Are voters informed enough and participate at a high enough level for elections to just be based on popular vote? 

4.) Per the article, what suggestions are being made to possibly compromise on the Electoral College? What are your thoughts on the suggested ideas?

5.) In your opinion, does the electoral college preventing democracy or tyranny?  Why or why not?

dis 2

Activity for Assessment:

This discussion will help you learn more about the system of federalism.  The term federalism is defined as “the sharing of power between the national, state, and local governments”, and Article VI in the US Constitution states the federal government is the supreme entity (in a nut shell). For this assessment, the completed research will help you further understand the complicated relationship of these entities. Start with reading pages 82-83 (What’s at stake) AND the following article: 

American Federalism and Policy Chaos: Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization

. It might be helpful to also conduct some research on the states that have legalized marijuana and how legalization has impacted the state.  Once you have information, answer the following questions:

• Should the federal government have the power under Article VI to reverse laws that were established under the 10th Amendment and though state-wide voting by its citizens?  Why or why not?
• Based on the text article, how is this issue being handled by the federal government and the states?
• Based on the web article, what are questions of federalism being faced by the federal government and states?
• What potential impact could this have on the states that have already adopted some type of marijuana law (medicinal, recreational, decriminalization) with regards their economy?  Think, business, travel and tourism, etc. 
• What role should citizens play in this issue?  What stake might citizens have with regards to how a state might manage this issue? 
• Lastly, what are your overall feelings about the continuous fight between federal power and states rights?  Should there be more or less emphasis given to the states to govern the people living within them or for continuity amongst all citizens, should the federal government really be in charge?  Explain.