Choosing a President: The Electoral College and Beyond

In the midst of the controversy over Election 2000, this new book examines the electoral college and six alternatives to it, such as proportional allocation of electors (rather than winner-take-all electors within the states) and a national popular vote with an instant runoff. A team of expert political scientists consider the implications of the electoral college and proposed reforms, answering such questions as: How would each reform affect our federal system of government, the workings of national governmental institutions, and our party system? What effect would reform have on the conduct of campaign organizations during elections and media coverage of campaigns, citizen participation, and the distribution of power? On the basis of deliberations each contributor indicates the extent to which he or she supports or opposes the electoral college and the various alternatives to it.