U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentHard
A civics test applicant is learning about the U.S. electoral system. If no candidate wins a majority of the electoral votes in a presidential election, who decides the election?
- AThe sitting Vice President
- BThe House of Representatives
- CThe Supreme Court
- DThe Senate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The House of Representatives
According to the 12th Amendment, if no presidential candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives decides the election, with each state delegation casting one vote.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The sitting Vice President does not decide the election outcome in this scenario.
- C. The Supreme Court resolves legal disputes, but not directly elects the President in this scenario.
- D. The Senate decides the Vice President if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes for VP.
Contingent Election (President)
The process by which the U.S. House of Representatives elects the President if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes.
- Occurs if no candidate reaches 270 electoral votes.
- Each state delegation in the House casts one vote.
- Has happened twice in U.S. history (1800, 1824).
Memory trick: No majority? House steps in for the President.