Sky_Blue_Dreamer
Well-Known Member
Abolishing the electoral college is nonsense. Firstly, it requires constitutional change - around 66% in favour in Congress and/or the Senate. Secondly, and most importantly, it puts the power firmly into the hands of the largest states, California, Texas, NY and Florida.
In a UK context, we would let the city of London decide the outcome of national elections.
We don't elect an individual to be President or Prime Minister.
I've said before our elections need constituencies to ensure every area is heard. But at the same time we need a method which is more representational of the populace overall hence why I think FPTP is fine to elect the commons and a second chamber should be elected via PR as a balance to reflect that.
So in the US the executive can be chosen via PR, the legislative is chosen using a winner takes all method. That representation is still there but in another branch of government.
Also regarding the largest states having the power, is it right that a handful of farmers in the mid-west who make up a fraction of the economy have more of a say proportionally than millions of people who make up huge amounts more of the economy? California has openly talked about seceding from the States and if it became independent it would just by itself be a major global power. Whereas you could take the 'red' central belt of the US and it would largely be an irrelevance on the world stage economically.
It's not a foolproof solution but it's a better one than currently exists.