4.04 Synthesis Timed Writing

The Electoral College is a process that determines the United States presidential election. The candidate with the majority of electoral votes wins. Each state, including the District of Columbia, is designated with a number of electoral votes proportionate to the state’s population. However, it’s possible that a candidate can win the majority of electoral votes, but lose the national popular vote, as was the case in the 2016 presidential election. As a result, some individuals believe that the Electoral College system should be eliminated, and presidential elections should instead be decided by the actual number of citizen votes cast nationwide. Others believe the Electoral College continues to be the most effective process.

Carefully read the seven sources, including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the question: Should the Electoral College be abolished and replaced by the national popular vote?

Source A (USA Today)

Source B (Posner)

Source C (Desilver)

Source D (NARA)

Source E (New York Times)

Source F (Amar)

Source G (Ramirez)

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.

• Select and use evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.

• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.

• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.