CONTENT STATEMENT
Constitutional amendments have altered provisions for the structure and functions of the federal government.
Content elaboration
The Framers of the Constitution created a method of presidential selection that reflected the nation’s federal system of government. The president would be chosen based on electoral votes from the states. A candidate is required to win a majority of the total number of electoral votes in order to secure the presidency. Electoral votes are determined based upon the number of each state’s representatives and senators.
Some amendments have altered the procedures of the Electoral College:
Separate balloting for president and vice president was established to avoid a tie in electoral votes.
The District of Columbia was granted electoral votes.
Other amendments have altered the functioning of government:
Presidential term limits.
Presidential succession and disability.
EXPECTATIONS FOR LEARNING
Describe how constitutional amendments have changed the structure and function of the federal government with regard to the Electoral College and the U.S. Presidency.