Electoral College & United States

The process of going to cast your vote for a Presidential election can be exciting yet nerve-racking to see the end results. We the people of America, our vote ultimately decides who is President or Vice President right? Contrary to the common belief, the electors appointed by the people in each state make up the Electoral College; they decide who is President and Vice President. This system of voting should be kept in place because it gives smaller states a voice, ensures politically uneducated people don’t ultimately decide who is president, and creates a smaller scale for calculating votes and informing citizens.

The Electoral College was created by the Founding Fathers to ensure that popularity voting did not determine the President. This creation was in fear that “depraved men, … would erode or destroy America’s dearly won liberty” (Turner 412) by winning an election for Presidency by lying to the citizens of their true intentions. Other reasons the Founding Fathers created the Electoral College was so the President wouldn’t have too much power in office and the smaller states would have a voice in the election. The Electoral College establishes a foundation of fairness to who the people of America want for President and serves as a “checks and balance” system to ensure the President does not have too much power.

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The Electoral College is defined as a “term that refers to the electors who cast the [state they represent] electoral votes” (Patterson 568). On election day, citizens in each state vote for a running candidate of a political party. This vote determines which list of political electors gets to vote on behalf of that state on election day. The elector’s vote gives the candidate running the electoral vote. To win an election for the Presidency, an applicant must be the first to receive 270 electoral votes. The number of electors who vote in America is 538. This number is representing the 435 Representatives, 100 Senators, and 3 District of Columbia given electors.

The Electoral College is made up of electors that have promised to vote for a respected candidate upon the voting day. The number of electors that vote in each state depends on the states’ number of Representatives and Senators in Congress. Each state has two Senators and a certain number of Representatives based upon the population of that state. The Electoral College has different methods of how the votes can be distributed. Commonly mistaken by people, the states make their own decision of using the unit rule or a congressional district method. The unit rule system is when “[all electoral votes are given as a whole] to the candidate who wins the state’s popular vote” (Patterson 359). This winner-take-all system is used by every state except Maine and Nebraska. The method that is used by these two states is called the congressional district method. This method uses each district vote separately and the popular vote for the state to determine which candidate gets the electoral votes. Each candidate gets one vote for every district won and two additional votes for winning the states popular vote. For example, if district 1 of Maine votes for candidate A and wins the popular vote, candidate A will receive three electoral votes while candidate B only receives one. The ratio of electoral votes would come out to be 3 to 1 because Maine only has two districts.

While the number of electoral votes is based on the number of people in Congress, Congress delegates are not allowed to become an elector. An elector is a person that has a pledged to vote for a running candidate on behalf of a state. These electors are chosen by parties nominating a list of potential electors at their state convention or by the parties committee choosing the electors for that state. Electors are always different in each state and how they are chosen is up to each states’ preference.

On election day, citizens cast their vote towards a candidate. In every state except Maine and Nebraska, the political party that won in that state has their electors cast ballots and give the respected party their electoral votes. For example, if most citizens in Oklahoma vote for the Republican candidate, the state of Oklahoma Republican electors will cast their ballot on election day for the Republican candidate. This will give all the electoral votes for the state of Oklahoma to the Republican candidate and they will be one step closer to getting 270 votes. While not unconstitutional, the electors of the state they represent can go against their states’ political vote and vote towards the opposite party.

When electing a President, the Electoral College gives all states despite population size a voice. If the Electoral College was abolished, the voting system would be based on popularity. A popularity voting system gives larger populated states the upper advantage in choosing the President because having more population means more votes. Thus, the Electoral College gives the smaller states an opportunity to have an opinion in voting for who is President. When a person knows their stance will be heard, they are more likely to speak up. This relates to how smaller states view the Electoral College, they know their voice or vote is making a difference, so more people in smaller states are going to vote which raises voter engagement rates.

One main problem with abolishing the Electoral College is giving the politically uneducated people of America a major voice in who decides the President. The Electoral College makes it possible for politically educated people to help determine who the President is despite where they live. Before I took this government course, I was completely misguided and confused about how the government functions and works. Like myself, there are many young adults that don’t fully understand the measures and importance of learning about politics and voting accordingly. This means that if the Electoral College was not in place, larger states could have more uneducated votes compared to educated votes in smaller states, but ultimately in numbers, the uneducated votes would count more. For example, if Texas and New Jersey voters all voted but Texas had all politically uneducated voters they would still win by population size. While not having the Electoral College would make candidates running more proactive in influential campaigning towards citizens in all 50 states, I believe the Electoral College helps structure our voting system when choosing our President.

There are about 325 million people living in the United States. If the Electoral College was to be abolished, we would be looking at the popularity voting system in larger numbers. Looking at just large numbers for who has the most votes for President only informs the citizens of who is winning not how each state voted. By having the Electoral College, the citizens get more information and see a smaller scale of where each individual state lies with their votes. While some can argue that it does not really matter whether we see how each state voted, I disagree because being a visual person myself I like to see what is truly happening not just be given an answer. Seeing on a smaller scale helps citizens understand that unfair votes aren’t just being given to a candidate. Another reason the Electoral College being on a smaller scale is good is for accuracy in recounting votes. If all 325 million people voted in America for President and one vote or multiple votes are miscalculated, it could throw off the whole election voting. The Electoral College provides not only stability in recounting votes but also informs citizens of how the votes are being distributed.

In conclusion, voting in America helps keep the true value of voting which is to elect a President the people want. The Electoral College implicates the true intentions of why the Founding Fathers created it which was so the people of America could always succeed with their President in charge. The Electoral College is the system that provides the people with pledged electors that vote on citizens behalf to create a smaller scale of votes. Through keeping the Electoral College, America can depend on having stability in their voting system and keep fairness to less populated states.

Childhood Obesity Rate Can Be Decreased

Child obesity has become a major concern as it continues to increase every year in the US. Many parents are uneducated about the risks of childhood obesity. Parental awareness and increasing physical activity are steps towards making a change in the rates of childhood obesity. There are many side effects of childhood obesity that can obstruct a child’s future. However, positive changes to children’s health can be achieved through the influence of adults. Child obesity has become a more critical public health issue throughout the world, but especially in Florida. There are ways to help this issue such as improving the school’s environment and bringing awareness.

Statistics show how child obesity is increasing and it is causing negative side effects. Childhood obesity has become the top concern in the United States, passing drug and alcohol abuse (McGrath 54). In the past 30 years, the number of overweight children has increased that it is now considered an epidemic concern (Johnson 23). According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported by the CDC, Florida ranked 13th out of 50 states in the incidence of childhood obesity (“Overweight & Obesity” Par. 3). Approximately one in three children are obese or overweight. This is a continuing concern because 27.5 percent of children ages 10 to 17 are obese in Florida. This puts children at a higher risk of developing physical and psychological issues (Wesley 29). The potential health risks of child obesity include heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, chronic illnesses, etc., which can lead to a premature death (Fogel 12). Obese children are also more prone to “emotional” eating for comfort. In addition, obese children have a greater chance of suffering from body image and self-esteem issues. They have a higher risk of becoming depressed because of their quality of life. Children will then become discouraged to change, which can cripple their future. Also, some children will have the likelihood of developing eating disorders at a young age from body image dissatisfaction (Paediatric Par. 3). Overall, childhood obesity is a major issue that is continuing to increase, and will cause a negative impact on the futures of the children.

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Physical movement for children at school and at home has suffered in recent years. Only six states require physical education in every grade (Butler-Wall 14). In a report from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, only 3.8 percent of elementary schools, 7.9 percent of middle schools, and 2.1 percent of high schools provide daily physical education during the entire school year (Jackson 15). The reason for the lack of physical education is because of the overcrowding in physical education classes, which is causing classes to be ineffective. The citizens of Florida approved an amendment to the Florida Constitution that set limits on the number of students in core classes such as math, English, and science (Wesley 9). However, this amendment does not include physical education classes. Not limiting to the number of students assigned to physical education not only creates a problem with space but can also mean not having enough equipment to accommodate all students (Jackson 13). As a result, children are not properly provided with daily activity during school. Overall, physical education classes in schools are not organized, which is causing a decrease in movement for children.

Not only are children doing little physical activity at school, but technology is also causing a deficiency in activity. As technology becomes a popular demand, it is causing a lack of movement, which is increasing the chances of child obesity. Watching TV is connected to weight gain because it reduces metabolism, physical activity, and increases food intake (“Overweight & Obesity” Par. 3). Not only is technology causing a lack of activity, but also influencing children’s food choices through ads. According to estimates by the Federal Trade Commission, children are exposed to 25,600 advertisements per year, while 5,500 are of food and beverages. An analysis of foods advertisement during children’s television programming discovered that most foods marketed to children are low in nutritional value, and healthy food ads are nonexistent (Goris 35). This shows how TV food commercials are targeting kids, which is causing unhealthy choices. In today’s world, technology is impacting kids’ nutrition in a negative way.

Many children lack nutrition because of their unfortunate circumstances. The majority of obese children come from low wage families. As a result, parents buy unhealthy food because it is the cheaper option (Paediatric Par. 6). There are more opportunities for children to overeat at home compared to other food environments such as school (Ferrarin 17). In addition, the majority of low wage families live in rural areas that do not have access to grocery stores that provide healthy options. These areas are called food deserts. Low wage families have to travel a long distance in order to find a grocery store that supply nutritious food. As a result, parents cannot afford traveling so they are compelled to buying junk food from cheap stores. Therefore, food deserts are increasing the risk of child obesity because of the limitation of proper nutrition (Toothman 36). The deficiency of nutrition can be seen in the children in Florida. The Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey found that in Florida only 21.9 percent of middle schoolers drink three or more glasses of milk per day. This study also found that 26.0 percent of Florida middle schoolers dink two or more sodas per day during the week. This is a concern because soda is vey high in sugar with zero nutritional value (Zapata 13). This shows how places that lack healthy stores lead to an increase in bad habits. Providing proper nutrition for students is a major factor in decreasing child obesity rates.

Public awareness can be an effective solution for child obesity. Many parents assume that children will lose their “baby fat” when their child becomes older. However, this is not the case due to bad eating habits at a young age. Hospital-based childhood obesity education programs have been established to improve patient and family awareness and understanding of the risks of child obesity (McGrath 39). In south Florida, the DNP project was created to educate parents. This project consisted of the Lewin’s change model. This model is a three-step process that includes unfreezing, changing/moving, and refreezing. Unfreezing focuses on the parents identifying that their child is obese. The changing/moving step is the process of developing a plan/way to change unhealthy habits. The last step, refreezing consists of executing the plan for better health (Johnson 20). As parents become educated, they can encourage their kids to eat healthy and exercise. However, this solution is not feasible because hospitals do not have the money to execute these programs (Wesley 24). If possible, hospital programs are a great way to inform parents of the risks of child obesity. Given these points, this solution can prevent children from future excess weight.

Changes in a school setting is an ideal way to prevent childhood obesity because children spend a large portion of their day at school where they can be physically active and consume the majority of their daily nutrition. The Institute of Medicine recommends expanding the role of a nurse at school provide counseling for overweight children, check blood pressure, and track BMI. Nurses can also recommended a weight loss plan for obese students (Quelly 19). Another way nurses can play a role in the student’s health is by education. Nurses can include fun activities to encourage students to learn about the human health. For example, there can be rewards for students who write articles about healthy life styles for the school’s newsletter or who participate in the school’s health council. A school nurse would be essential in poor areas, since the majority of obese children come from low wage families. However, this solution is not feasible because it would be a big expense to hire nurses. Many public schools do not have space in their budget to include nurses (McGrath 43). If achievable, nurses can lead children in the right direction for a healthy lifestyle. Ultimately, providing nurses at school can benefit kids in a positive way.

Changing the food environment at school is one of the major ways to help improve childhood obesity rates. Since the majority of low wage parents cannot afford nutritional food, a solution would be for schools to provide free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch for students. This is made possible through the National School Breakfast and Lunch program (Ferrarin 35). Since Former first lady, Michael Obama, was very dedicated in helping the issue of child obesity, the U.S. Department of Education were obliged to award $32 million to nutrition and physical education programs. School lunches are now improving their food choices by removing sugary drinks and fatty treats in order to provide proper nutrition for their students. This is solution is feasible if schools are provided with enough money from the government (Quelly 47). In Florida, the majority of schools receive enough to provide students healthy meals. Free breakfast and lunch at school are a practical way to help provide student their daily nutrition.

Another way to aid in reducing the rates of child obesity is through physical education. Physical education causes a healthy mindset, and decreases the chances of becoming diagnosed with an illness. Exercising should not be an option; it should be mandatory throughout the school year. Increasing physical activity can improve academic performance (Jackson 16). In Florida, a bill was signed into law that required elementary students to be given at least twenty minutes of recess (Butler-Wall 39). In addition, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that children ages 10-18 should be physically active for at least 60 minutes everyday. Activeness levels decrease as children get older; therefore, schools making daily activity a habit is crucial to decrease future obesity (Zapta 65). Former First Lady, Michael Obama, was a great influence in increasing physical activity in schools. She launched the ‘Let’s Move! Active Schools’ campaign, which caused many schools to increase their physical education levels. The solution of increasing physical activity can be feasible by creating a law stating that exercise is a requirement in all grades (Toothman 55). Since Michael Obama has made the public aware of the deficiency of physical activity, it can be easier to pass a law. Overall, increasing exercise in school will help children stay in shape throughout elementary school.

Although playing video games excessively is seen as contributor to childhood obesity, new games, called exergaming, have been designed to increase physical activity. The way the video game works is a student is paired with a type of exercise equipment in order to play. This type of game can be a fun way for student to get active (Fogel 59). In addition, these exergaming labs can put in schools for greater opportunities for physical activity. These labs could also be available for students before and after school (Goris 15). Although necessary gaming equipment is costly, this gaming solution can be feasible. Schools can start fundraisers to raise money for the equipment. Creating new ideas for activity can help children stay interested and more become more open to different ideas to help become healthy.

Child obesity is a serious health problem in today’s world; however, positive changes can make a difference. There are many negative effects of child obesity such as a decrease in confidence and an increased chance of an early death. Despite that, actions such as changing the school’s environment and educating parents can help reduce the increasing rates of child obesity. The role of a nurse is necessary for children as a guide to healthy habits. In addition, parents enforcing a healthier lifestyle at home can decrease the chances of obesity. A great influence on children is needed in order for them to make healthy decision on their own. These solutions with reinforcement can be done to prevent future obese children, and lead to a healthier society.

So I just wanted to write a little note explaining how much I appreciate you for helping me with my writing. I’m really thankful that you gave nice feedback unlike my high school teachers who made me want to go die in a hole lol. Anyways, I wanted to say that I actually enjoyed going to class (except the 8:30 part) and writing this semester, which is rare. So thank you ? I really wanted to write this bc I know a lot of teachers don’t get much love from their students! So Thank You and Happy Holidays!

Works Cited

Butler-Wall, Karisa. “”Risky Measures: Digital Technologies and the Governance of Child Obesity.”” Women’s Studies Quarterly, vol. 43, no. 1, 2015, pp. 228-245. ProQuest, https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/1665110211/67ECA6200CB545A9PQ/1?accountid=10920.

Ferrarin, Elena. “”Elgin to Promote Carrots Over Chips Healthy: Summer Lunch Programs to Begin June 8 Healthy: Summer Lunch Programs to Begin June 8 Healthy: Summer Lunch Programs to Begin June 8.”” Daily Herald, Jun 02, 2015, pp. 1. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/1685030151?accountid=10920.

Fogel, Victoria A., et al. “”THE EFFECTS OF EXERGAMING ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG INACTIVE CHILDREN IN A PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSROOM.””Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, vol. 43, no. 4, 2010, pp. 591-600. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/818744933?accountid=10920.

Goris, Janny M., et al. “”Television Food Advertising and the Prevalence of Childhood Overweight and Obesity: A Multicountry Comparison.”” Public Health Nutrition, vol. 13, no. 7, 2010, pp. 1003-12. ProQuest, https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/357161962/AE4084E401E24411PQ/3?accountid=10920.

Jackson, Babara A. Physical Education Programs: Perspectives of Physical Education Teachers, Keiser University, Ann Arbor, 2018. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/2131015674?accountid=10920.

Johnson, Suzanne B., PhD., et al. “”Prevalence of Overweight in North Florida Elementary and Middle School Children: Effects of Age, Sex, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status.”” The Journal of School Health, vol. 77, no. 9, 2007, pp. 630-6. ProQuest, https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/215674131/60BC562254B448EEPQ/17?accountid=10920.

McGrath, Sandra E. Childhood Obesity Comorbidities Awareness Hospital-Based Education Program, Walden University, Ann Arbor, 2017. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/1878303858?accountid=10920.

“Overweight & Obesity.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html.

Paediatric Society. “Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Adolescent Obesity.” Canadian Paediatric Society, www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/psychosocial-child-adolescent-obesity.

Quelly, Susan B. “”Characteristics Associated with School Nurse Childhood Obesity Prevention Practices.”” Pediatric Nursing, vol. 43, no. 4, 2017, pp. 193-199. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/1929674048?accountid=10920.

Toothman, Mary. “”Healthy Eating Habits Coming to a School Near You.”” The Ledger, Aug 03,

2011. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/881034563?accountid=10920.

Wesley, Jennifer S. Examining Health Disparities and Childhood Obesity in Florida and Georgia, Walden University, Ann Arbor, 2018. ProQuest, https://login.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/login?URL=http://search.proquest.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/accountid=10920?url=https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/1972443249?accountid=10920.

Zapata, Lauren B,M.S.P.H., Phd, et al. “”Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors of Middle School Youth: The Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey*.”” The Journal of School Health, vol. 78, no. 1, 2008, pp. 9-18; quiz 65-7. ProQuest, https://search-proquest-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/docview/215675717/60BC562254B448EEPQ/10?accountid=10920.

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