In the United States, presidential elections are typically decided by the candidate who wins the most electoral votes. However, two states, Maine and Nebraska, have a unique system known as the “congressional district method” for allocating their electoral votes.

How the Congressional District Method Works

Under the congressional district method, each state’s electoral votes are divided into two groups: two votes for the statewide winner and one vote for the winner of each congressional district. This means that a candidate can potentially win some electoral votes even if they lose the statewide popular vote.

Maine’s History with Split Electoral Votes

Maine has a long history of splitting its electoral votes. The state first adopted the congressional district method in 1820, but switched to the winner-take-all system in 1828. In 1969, Maine returned to the split-vote method, primarily due to concerns that a candidate could win the state’s electoral votes with only a small percentage of the popular vote.

Nebraska’s Split Electoral Vote System

Nebraska adopted the congressional district method in 1992, hoping to attract presidential candidates to a state that was typically ignored due to its conservative leanings. The system has been controversial, with Republicans repeatedly attempting to overturn it in favor of a winner-take-all approach.

The Role of Ernie Chambers

Ernie Chambers, a state senator from Nebraska, has been a staunch defender of the split electoral vote system. In 2016, he played a key role in defeating a bill that would have eliminated the system.

The Potential Impact of Split Electoral Votes in 2020

In the 2020 presidential election, Maine and Nebraska’s electoral votes could potentially play a decisive role. With the race expected to be close, even a single electoral vote from a split state could tip the balance in favor of one candidate.

Notable Electoral Vote Splits in Maine and Nebraska

Prior to 2020, Maine and Nebraska had only split their electoral votes once. In 2008, Barack Obama won Nebraska’s Second Congressional District, earning the Democrats their first electoral vote in the state since 1964. In 2016, Donald Trump won Maine’s Second Congressional District, giving the Republicans their first electoral vote in the state since 1988.

The Significance of Split Electoral Votes

Split electoral votes can have a significant impact on presidential elections, especially in close races. The congressional district method allows for the possibility of a candidate winning the presidency even if they lose the popular vote, as was the case with George W. Bush in 2000.

Breaking Barriers in Congress

Shirley Chisholm made history in 1968 when she became the first black woman elected to Congress. Her election was a groundbreaking moment, shattering barriers of race and gender in American politics. Chisholm’s unwavering advocacy for equality and social justice left an enduring legacy on the nation.

Early Life and Activism

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, Chisholm’s parents were immigrants from the Caribbean. She began her career as a nursery school teacher but soon became involved in activism. She joined organizations like the League of Women Voters and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), fighting for civil rights and women’s empowerment.

Political Career

In 1964, Chisholm was elected to the New York State Legislature, becoming the second African-American elected to that body. Four years later, she made national history by winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a congresswoman, Chisholm was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and pushed for progressive policies on education, healthcare, and economic equality.

Presidential Campaign

In 1972, Chisholm became the first woman to seek the Democratic presidential nomination. While she did not win the nomination, her campaign sent a powerful message about the need for increased representation of women and people of color in politics. Chisholm believed that her candidacy would encourage others to challenge the status quo and advocate for change.

Legacy of Advocacy

Chisholm’s legacy extends far beyond her election to Congress. She was a tireless advocate for social justice, fighting for equal rights, education, and economic opportunity for all Americans. Her work helped pave the way for future generations of women and minorities in politics.

She Built NYC Monument

In recognition of Chisholm’s groundbreaking achievements, New York City is erecting a statue in her honor as part of the She Built NYC initiative. The initiative aims to correct the gender imbalance in public monuments, showcasing the contributions of women to the city’s history.

Unbought and Unbossed

Chisholm’s slogan, “unbought and unbossed,” reflected her unwavering commitment to her principles. She refused to compromise her values or bow to pressure from powerful interests. Her courageous spirit and determination continue to inspire activists and politicians today.

A Bold Pioneer

Shirley Chisholm was a visionary leader who shattered barriers and left an indelible mark on American history. Her advocacy for equality, her determination to break down walls, and her unwavering spirit make her a true pioneer and an inspiration to generations to come.

Presidents and Greatness

What makes a president great? Historians and voters have debated this question for centuries. Some argue that greatness lies in the ability to win elections and maintain power, while others emphasize the transformative impact a president has on the nation.

The Importance of Elections

According to Robert W. Merry, author of “Where They Stand,” voters play a crucial role in determining presidential greatness. He argues that the greatest presidents are those who have earned the trust of the American people in multiple elections.

Historians vs. Voters

While historians’ views are important, Merry believes they should not be the sole factor in assessing presidential greatness. He contends that voters’ perspectives offer valuable insights into how presidents are perceived in their own time.

The Three-Part Test

Merry proposes a three-part test to identify the greatest presidents:

1. Consistent recognition as great or near-great by historians
2. Reelection to a second term by their own party
3. Transformation of the political landscape and the nation’s course

Leaders of Destiny

Merry identifies six presidents as “Leaders of Destiny”:

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• Andrew Jackson
• Abraham Lincoln
• Theodore Roosevelt
• Franklin D. Roosevelt

These presidents shared several key traits, including:

• Understanding the needs of the nation
• Visionary leadership
• Political adroitness

Good Presidents vs. Great Presidents

Merry distinguishes between good presidents and great presidents. Good presidents effectively manage the country, while great presidents take risks and make bold changes. Bill Clinton is cited as an example of a good president who lacked the boldness to achieve greatness.

Character and Scandals

Scandals can damage a president’s reputation, but character flaws like indecisiveness and unwillingness to take risks are even more detrimental to success. James Buchanan’s failure to address the slavery crisis is an example of such character flaws.

Reputation-Altering Biographies

Presidential biographies can significantly influence public opinion about a president. Grover Cleveland, the only two-time, one-term president, saw his reputation improve after the publication of a biography that hailed him as a man of destiny and character.

Evaluating Current Candidates

Merry advises that voters focus on the incumbent’s performance when evaluating presidential candidates. The American people tend to make sound judgments based on the president’s leadership and the country’s well-being.

Qualities to Look for in Candidates

Predicting presidential greatness is impossible, but history shows that great presidents are often elected in times of political turmoil. Supporters and detractors alike may hold strong opinions about a candidate’s potential, but only time will tell how effective they will be.

The State of the Country and Deadlock

Merry expresses concern about the current political deadlock in the United States. He questions how the country can overcome this crisis and move forward.

Confidence in Beliefs

Merry acknowledges that certainty about one’s views diminishes with experience. However, he believes that thoughtful observation and analysis can lead to well-grounded perceptions about how the world works.

The Title’s Humble Origins

In 1789, as the United States emerged from the Revolutionary War, the nation faced the task of establishing a new government. Among the many decisions to be made was the title to be given to the leader of this newborn country.

The delegates to the Constitutional Convention grappled with this issue, debating various options. Some suggested “His Exalted Highness,” while others favored the more democratic “His Elective Highness.” However, concerns arose that such grand titles might evoke comparisons to European monarchs, whose unchecked power the Founding Fathers sought to avoid.

The Search for a Suitable Title

The debate continued for weeks, with the House of Representatives expressing concern that an overly regal title would inflate the president’s authority, while the Senate feared that a weak title like “president” (which originally meant simply “one who presides”) would diminish the office in the eyes of foreign powers.

Ultimately, a compromise was reached. The Senate agreed to a simplified version of their proposed title, and George Washington became the first “President of the United States.” This title, while less grandiose than some of the earlier suggestions, conveyed both the authority and the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.

Constitutional Considerations

The concern over titles extended beyond the presidency. Article 1, Section 9 of the Constitution states that “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States.” This provision was seen as a cornerstone of republican government, ensuring that there would be no permanent aristocracy or class distinctions.

The Evolution of the Title

Over time, the title of “president” has undergone its own transformations. In 1903, the acronym “POTUS” (President of the United States) came into use, followed by “FLOTUS” (First Lady of the United States) and “SCOTUS” (Supreme Court of the United States).

During World War II, the moniker “Leader of the Free World” was adopted, reflecting the United States’ global leadership role. However, despite the passage of time and the many individuals who have held the office, the original title of “Mr. President” remains the most potent and enduring.

The President’s Role and Powers

The president is the head of state and government of the United States. The Constitution grants the president significant powers, including:

• The power to veto legislation passed by Congress
• The power to appoint and remove cabinet members and other high-ranking officials
• The power to negotiate treaties with foreign nations
• The power to command the armed forces
• The power to grant pardons

The Qualifications for Presidency

To be eligible for the presidency, a candidate must:

• Be a natural-born citizen of the United States
• Be at least 35 years old
• Have resided in the United States for at least 14 years

The Term of Office

The president serves a four-year term and can be re-elected to a second term. The Constitution limits the president to two terms in office.

The Impeachment Process

The president can be removed from office through the impeachment process. Impeachment is a political process initiated by the House of Representatives and tried by the Senate. If convicted, the president is removed from office and may be disqualified from holding future federal office.

The President’s Legacy

The title of “president” is a symbol of the United States’ commitment to democracy and the rule of law. It is a title that has been borne by some of the nation’s most renowned leaders, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama.

The president plays a vital role in shaping the nation’s domestic and foreign policies, and the decisions made during their time in office can have a lasting impact on the country and the world.

The Vision

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have unveiled plans for the Obama Presidential Center, a three-building complex that will be built in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side. The center will include a museum, a forum, and a library, as well as a surrounding campus designed to revitalize the historic park.

The Campus

The Obama Presidential Center will be constructed to LEED v4 Platinum standards, the highest sustainability rating for a commercial or public building. The buildings will span approximately 200,000 to 225,000 square feet and will be surrounded by landscaped roofs that will offer visitors views of Lake Michigan.

The Library

Unlike traditional presidential libraries, the Obama Library will not house paper copies of the former president’s documents. Instead, it will feature digitized copies of all unclassified documents from his administration. The originals will be maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration.

The Museum

The Obama Museum will be the centerpiece of the campus, standing 180 feet tall. It will house Obama’s presidential museum, as well as an exhibition space, public spaces, offices, and education and meeting rooms.

The Forum

The Obama Forum will be a single-story building that will serve as a center for community events and public discourse. It will include a variety of meeting spaces and event facilities.

The Impact

The Obama Presidential Center is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the South Side each year, stimulating economic growth in the surrounding neighborhoods. It will also serve as a hub for community events and educational programs.

Obama’s Connection to the South Side

Barack Obama has a deep connection to Chicago’s South Side, where he began his career in public service. He has said that the values he learned in this community have shaped his life and presidency.

Summer Jobs Initiative

In conjunction with the announcement of the Presidential Center, the Obamas also announced a $2 million donation to summer jobs programs on the South Side. They said they wanted to start helping the local economy now, rather than waiting for the campus to be completed.

Legacy

The Obama Presidential Center is a testament to the former president’s commitment to public service and his belief in the power of community. It is a place where people can learn about his presidency, engage in public discourse, and be inspired to make a difference in the world.