Elections are tricky business, and as such, their history is asorted and confusing one. In 1800, the madness known as theAmerican Democratic process began.
In fact, our democracy has had moments of pure misunderstandingin the past.
In 1800, there was a bit of confusion as theDemocratic-Republicians assigned the same amount of electoral votesto Aaron Burr and Thomas Jefferson. The election then went to theHouse of Representatives where they voted 36 times, never coming upwith a congressionally acceptable resolution.
In 1824, there was again confusion as a loophole in theConstitution (which led to the two party system we know and... livewith) again sent the election to the House of Representatives. JohnQuincy Adams, Henry Clay, William H. Crawford and Andrew Jacksonall ended up with less than the needed electoral vote. Crawford,Adams and Jackson were the three candidates sent to the house. Apaper in Philadelphia published a letter that Clay would supportAdams in exchange for the appointment of Secretary of State. Claydenied this, but after Adams won Clay was appointed Secretary ofState.
The 1876 election was a precedent to the 2000 election, and thefirst time the electoral college didn't agree with the popularvote. The election was between Samuel Tilden and Rutherford Hayes.A commission was set up to decide the election, of give Senators.Troops were brought in to enforce the recounting of the electoralvote, and eventually Hayes became president.
Twelve years later, incumbent Grover Cleveland and BenjaminHarrison fought for the office. Cleveland won the popular vote by alarge number of people, but Harrison won the electoral vote afterCleveland lost a number of key states by a few votes. Clevelandcame back and won, ensuring that elementary school children wouldremember his name for generations.
More recently, the 1960 election between John F. Kennedy andRichard Nixon was among the closest in history. Despite it'scomparisons to the 2000 election, the comparisons are not validbecause in the end, Illinois (that year's Florida) did not decidethe election.
However, if you will notice, there are only six or sevenelections when the result was even in question over the 54elections our nation has held. It must also be recalled that theseelections came out in the end, and never has our nation beenwithout a standing president.
While some people may not like the way the 2000 election cameout, and fear another similar result in 2004, the chances of thathappening are slim to none. And even if it did, the U.S. governmentwill ensure that the procedure of the electoral college defined bythe Constitution will be held up.
Like it or not, the electoral college is here to stay because,well, it would need three-fourths of the Senate to create a change,and there is no way three-fourths of the Senate would agree toit.
Sometimes I wonder if the Senate agrees to three-fourths ofanything.
Short of re-election, that is.
Write to Will at
wjohargan@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
