Question

Research the publishers as follows :

TEXT & AUTHOR

TIME Magazine
These 3 Common Arguments For
Preserving the Electoral College Are Wrong
By Robert Speel

Real Clear Politics
Why We Need the Electoral College
By Peter J. Wallison

PBS NewsHour
This proposal calls for popular vote to determine the winner.


NEXT… answer the above for each in 2 sentences in a 5th graders response for each above :

HOW DOES S/HE SUPPORT THEIR ARGUMENT?




Then answer the above for each in 2 sentences in a 5th graders response for each above :
CAN YOU IDENTIFY ANY BIASES THIS
AUTHOR MIGHT HAVE?

Answer 1

TIME Magazine — "These 3 Common Arguments For Preserving the Electoral College Are Wrong" by Robert Speel
How does s/he support their argument?
He says the three usual reasons for keeping the Electoral College are wrong and explains why in simple steps. He uses past-election examples, facts, and clear comparisons to show why those reasons don’t work well.
Can you identify any biases this author might have?
He probably prefers choosing leaders by the national popular vote and might be against the Electoral College. That could make him pick examples and facts that help his view and leave out ones that help the other side.

Real Clear Politics — "Why We Need the Electoral College" by Peter J. Wallison
How does s/he support their argument?
He argues the Electoral College helps protect small states and keeps big cities from deciding everything. He uses history, ideas about the Constitution, and examples of how elections might change to back up his point.
Can you identify any biases this author might have?
He often writes from a conservative or traditional perspective, so he may favor keeping old systems. That can make him emphasize reasons to keep the Electoral College and downplay arguments for changing it.

PBS NewsHour — "This proposal calls for popular vote to determine the winner."
How does s/he support their argument?
The report explains how the popular vote proposal would work and shows quotes from experts and clear examples so people can understand it. It also lays out the steps and effects of the change so viewers see the idea in plain terms.
Can you identify any biases this author might have?
PBS NewsHour aims to be neutral, but the story might highlight reasons people like the popular vote idea. That could make the report seem more friendly to the proposal if it shows more experts who support it or uses softer language for that side.