The Electoral College was a product of the Great Compromise achieved at the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787, a compromise between the small and large states concerning the issues of popular election and feared political machinations. The Electoral College (a nickname that never appears in the Constitution) has continued to achieve some of its original goals, for which it remains politically valuable and historically elegant. However, it is convoluted in its processes and sometimes precarious in its results, presenting a quadrennial national hazard. The course will examine various close and contested elections, including in 1800, 1824, 1876, 1888, 2000, 2004, and 2016. The past, present, and future of the Electoral College will be studied, including its labyrinthine constitutional provisions which still remain effective.
910.804.01 Homewood campus Wednesdays, March 28 to April 18, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Cost: $99 (four sessions)
JHU full-time faculty/staff are eligible for tuition remission. Contact 410-516-8516 for more details.
