In the election of 1824, the electoral college played a pivotal role. Andrew Jackson won the popular vote and in states where the popular vote determined electors, he won. However, not every state chose electors this way, and Jackson ultimately lost the election when his failure to garner enough votes in the electoral college pushed the election into the House of Representatives. In the House, Jackson’s political rival, Henry Clay, worked to secure votes for John Quincy Adams, who was then elected President.
The electoral college has been derided and praised ever since. For more information and context about the electoral college, watch the following video:
Instructions:
Step 1: In a paragraph or two (at least 200 words), explain what you think should have happened directly after the 1824 election. Should the U.S. have abolished the electoral college? Why or why not?
Step 2: After you have posted your initial post, read and respond to three or more of your classmates’ arguments. Be sure to make substantive and constructive comments. You are not required to argue with your classmate’s opinion (though you can), but you can expand on a classmate’s comments by adding to their argument. Either way, make sure your responses add value, stay on topic, and are respectful to others.
Discussion Grading Rubric:
| Criteria | Poor | Good | Excellent | Points |
| Responds to prompt | Response is superficial, lacking in analysis or critique. Contributes few novel ideas, connections, or applications. | Provides an accurate response to the prompt, but the information delivered is limited or lacking in analysis. | Provides a thoughtful and clear response to the content or question asked. The response includes original thoughts and novel ideas. | __/4 |
| Supporting Details | Includes vague or incomplete supporting evidence or fails to back opinion with facts. | Supports opinions with details, though connections may be unclear, not firmly established, or explicit. | Supports response with evidence; makes connections to the course content and/or other experiences. Cites evidence when appropriate. | __/2 |
| Comments and participation | Provides brief responses or shows little effort to participate in the learning community. | Responds kindly and builds upon the comments from others, but may lack depth, detail, and/or explanation. | Kindly and thoroughly extend discussions already taking place or poses new possibilities or opinions not previously voiced. Response is substantive and constructive. | __/4 |
| Total | __/10 |