As their party has come into control, multiple House Democrats have moved forward with legislature aimed at changing how future presidential elections work, specifically with the electoral college. Rep Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., has shown forth a pair of constitutional amendments which would elimate the electoral college, and would eliminate the possibiliity of the president pardoning family, friends, and associates. In 2016, Trump secured the electoral college, which is generally a "winner takes all" in states, with 306 votes to Clinton's 232. In the popular vote, Clinton beat Trump by more the 3 Million votes, which upset many democrats, which would make a resonable arguement against the electoral college, as it seems to make the people's vote less powerful, as there have been multiple elections where the president lost the popular vote but still came into office, with an example of Hayes v. Tilden, in which Tilden won more than 50% of the popular vote. In retrospect, It would make sense to reduce the power of presidential pardons, as it would stop the president from possibly furthering his financial goals in this high office. In other votes, Democrats have voted to make sure Presidents diclose their tax returns, which would seem resonable for anyone holding this office.
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What are your views on the legislature that may be put into office?
I would say that within reason, all that they are putting into place would seem resonable, though I am not sure that I agree with the elimination of the electoral college, but I would say that the people's vote should hold more power when a president comes into office. I would definitely agree with the disclosure of Tax Returns, and the limiting of pardon power, because the "Man in Office" should not do this job to better himself, but the nation he is commander in cheif of.
What are your views on the Power of the "Presidential Pardon", and do you think it holds too much power?
When coming to presidential pardons, there always seems to be a "gray area". When a president pardons someone close to him, or at least someone who he has had multiple communications or business ventures with said person. It would more than likely seem as some sort of illegitamate reason for this. However, for the common person for which he choses to pardon, the power should not be limited, but it should be within good reason that he acts as such.
Replies
Great summary but you didn't reply to any student comments which is worth 20 points.
As a voter I am upset that in hindsight, the people do not directly elect the president. I think the electoral college is one of the biggest mistakes our government did in our history. In the beginning of our history it was more important because people weren't educated properly, but now in today's scoiety, it is unecessary.
I do think the electoral college is proably the right thing to use for elections, but I do find it very weird that you can win by millions of votes and not be president. In most votes more you win, but I know they enforce this for a reason due to population etc. I think the power should be limited.
I agree with what you said. It would be reasonable to put that in place. I also don't agree with the elimination of the electoral college. I don't agree with you saying that the power should not be limited. I believe that the power should be limited.