The 12th Amendment to the Constitution requires that presidential and vice presidential candidates gain “a majority of the whole number of Electors appointed” in order to win election. With a total of 538 electors representing the 50 states and the District of Columbia, 270 electoral votes is the “magic number,” the arithmetic majority necessary to … Read more
From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Electoral College The Constitution provided for electors in choosing the president and vice president; the states’ electors by long practice are collectively called the electoral college. The Constitution in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2, states in part: Each State shall appoint, in such Manner … Read more
The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 12 (12th Amendment) Amendment XII. (Election of President and Vice-President) Passed by Congress December 9, 1803. Ratified June 15, 1804. Note: A portion of Article II, section 1 of the Constitution was superseded by the 12th amendment. The Electors shall meet in their respective states and vote by … Read more