Judith Best is distinguished teaching professor of political science at the State University of New York at
Cortland.
Cronin, Thomas E. : Whitman College
Thomas E. Cronin is president of Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington.
Review
"It is probably asking too much to expect this volume to put an end to the perennial debate over the electoral
college, but it does lay out the arguments, both for and against it. And if, on balance, its proponents make the
better case, so be it."
�Walter Berns, American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
"A rich collection of essays and reference information enlivening the continuing debate over how to elect
the people's president."
--Lawrence D. Longley, Lawrence University
"[This] careful analysis of the multidimensional arguments that have swirled around the electoral college
for two centuries is presented clearly and cogently . . . should be read carefully by those familiar with the debate
and especially by those who are not."
--James P. Pfiffner, George Mason University
"It is altogether an attractive teaching package."
--Booknotes
"A comprehensive, valuable work for all students of the American governmental system."
--R. Gordon Hoxie, Chairman and CEO, Center for the Study of the Presidency
Submitted by Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Web Site, September, 2001
Summary
The electoral college is arguably the most important but least understood factor that determines the President
of the United States. This book brings together the ideas of today's most prominent supporters, critics, and opponents
of the electoral college. Along with critical documents that provide historical background and demonstrate the
evolution of debates over the legitimacy of this American institution, Judith Best and Thomas E. Cronin together
with the testimony of Lawrence D. Longley, analyze the electoral college from a variety of perspectives and propose
a wide range of alternatives, from maintaining the status quo to imposing radical reform. Among the issues addressed
by these essays and documents is the fate of third parties in presidential elections.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Thomas E. Cronin
Part I: Why the Electoral College Keeps Winning: The Federal Principle in Presidential Elections
Introduction
Do We Have a Winner? The Right Winner: Not by Numbers Alone! The Federal Principle and the Presidency
Closing the College
Beating the Alternatives
The Constitutional Solar System
Appendix A: Distribution of Electoral Votes, 1991-2000
Appendix B: Popular and Electoral Votes in Presidential Elections, 1789-1992
Select Bibliography
Part II: Readings
Editor's Introduction
Judith A. Best
Statement of Lawrence D. Longley before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution
(1992)
Statement of Governor Morris in the Federal Convention of 1787
The Federalist Papers 39, 51, and 68 (excerpts)
The U.S. Constitution: Article II, Amendment 12, and Amendment 20
Report of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Direct Popular Election of the President and Vice President (1977)
Statement by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan on the Electoral College (1979)
Index
