The Biggest Mistake Students Make With Electoral College

Have you ever stared at a Electoral College problem and felt like you were reading another language? You aren't alone. Let's break down exactly why this trips up so many students.

Case Study: Failing at Electoral College

Let's analyze exactly where most students go wrong. When faced with this problem, the intuitive leap is usually the wrong one.

The Wrong Approach: Students will default to assuming a popular vote victory guarantees the presidency because it feels like a shortcut.

The Right Approach: In the US system, you can win the national popular vote by millions (like in 2000 and 2016) but lose the election if your votes are packed into a few states rather than spread across swing states.

By forcing yourself to do it the right way, even when it takes longer, you guarantee the points on the exam.

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