[20030415]RS21496_选举团：第108届国会的改革提案.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21496April 15, 2003The Electoral College: Reform Proposals inthe 108th CongressThomas H. NealeGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryAmerican voters elect the President and Vice President of the United States undera complex arrangement of constitutional provisions, federal and state laws, and politicalparty practices known as the electoral college system. For additional information oncontemporary operation of the system, please consult CRS Report RS20273, TheElectoral College: How It Works in Contemporary Presidential Elections, by ThomasH. Neale. Despite occasional close elections, this system has delivered uncontestedresults in 46 of 50 elections since adoption of the 12th Amendment, effective in 1804.Throughout this period, nevertheless, it has been the subject of persistent criticism andmany reform proposals. Related measures fall into two basic categories: those thatwould eliminate the electoral college and substitute direct popular election of thePresident and Vice President, and those that would retain the existing system in someform and correct perceived defe