Knowing these facts won't get you elected but they're good to know anyway! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down the most aspirational, important, archaic, less-than-optimal, or just plain odd aspects of electing an American president.
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00:00 "What I'm here to talk tonight is about political commercials.
00:04 That's where most of the money goes in any political campaign."
00:07 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down the most aspirational,
00:11 important, archaic, less than optimal, or just plain odd aspects of electing an American president.
00:18 "But when election day came, there were unexpected obstacles."
00:21 Number 20. Ballot access laws.
00:25 There are significant hurdles for third-party and independent candidates aiming to appear on
00:30 election ballots. These regulations, which vary by state, often require candidates to gather a
00:36 substantial number of signatures from registered voters within a specific time frame.
00:40 "Well, how are you going to get on the ballot?"
00:42 "That's where y'all come into play, my friends. I need, uh, I need, uh, 5,625 signatures."
00:53 This process demands considerable resources, organization, and time,
00:57 making it a daunting task for those without the backing of major political parties.
01:02 The complexity and variability of these laws across states can also lead to confusion and
01:07 inconsistency in their application. While intended to ensure that only serious candidates reach the
01:13 ballot, critics argue that these laws disproportionately disadvantage smaller
01:17 political parties and independents, limiting the diversity of choices available to voters.
01:22 "So, I hear you, but these elections often do come down to
01:26 a binary choice between the Democrat and the Republican."
01:30 Number 19. Viability of third-party candidates.
01:33 Laws aren't the only steep obstacles for candidates outside the entrenched two-party system.
01:38 "Will you be on the ballot in Michigan? Will you be on the ballot in Wisconsin?
01:42 I don't think the People's Party was on the ballot in all 50 states last time.
01:46 Are you, are you hoping to get on the ballot in every state or even just the battleground states?"
01:51 These candidates, if they actually make it on the ballot, are in a constant struggle for visibility,
01:56 funding, and access to debates. It's also important to note that the influence of these candidates,
02:02 while highlighting the plurality of political opinions, can also lead to unintended consequences
02:07 in closely contested elections. By drawing votes that might otherwise go to major parties,
02:12 they can inadvertently affect the outcome and are sometimes accused of acting as spoilers.
02:17 "To be fair, Johnson's anger is understandable. Just dismissing third-party candidates as spoilers
02:23 shuts down debate." This can foster voter frustration, particularly among those who
02:27 feel votes for a third-party candidate inadvertently benefit their least preferred
02:32 major party option. Number 18. Participation.
02:36 "For decades, America's youngest voters, those under the age of 30,
02:39 were the least likely to show up at the polls." Voter turnout in elections often falls below
02:45 levels seen in other democratic countries, a phenomenon that raises concerns about civic
02:50 engagement and representativeness. Several factors contribute to this low participation,
02:55 including voter apathy, disenfranchisement, and obstacles such as registration requirements and
03:01 weekday voting. This lack of turnout can skew election results towards the preferences of more
03:06 active demographic groups, potentially leaving significant portions of the population
03:11 underrepresented. Efforts to increase turnout focus on making voting more accessible through
03:16 early voting, mail-in ballots, and voter education campaigns. Addressing these challenges is crucial
03:22 for ensuring that election outcomes accurately reflect the will of the entire electorate,
03:27 enhancing the legitimacy of the democratic process. "That level of youth turnout had a
03:32 major effect, resulting in one of the highest levels of voter turnout for a midterm over the
03:36 last five decades." Number 17. 22nd Amendment. Ratified on February 27th, 1951, the 22nd
03:44 Amendment sets terms limits for the U.S. presidency, stating that an individual may only be
03:50 elected to the nation's highest office twice. "It must kind of stink though that you can't run,
03:54 you know, three times." "No, actually I think it's a good idea. You know, if I ran a third time,
04:01 it'd be sort of like doing a third Hangover movie." Additionally, anyone who has occupied
04:05 or acted in this role for more than two years of another's term can seek election only once more.
04:11 This measure was a direct response to Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms, aiming to institutionalize
04:17 the two-term tradition initiated by George Washington. By doing so, it seeks to prevent
04:23 power consolidation, promoting a dynamic leadership cycle, and supporting the ethos of regular,
04:29 peaceful transitions. "Regardless of whether you think they prevent tyranny or limit democracy,
04:34 presidential term limits are here and are unlikely to change anytime soon." Number 16. Faithless
04:40 electors. The possibility of faithless electors presents an intriguing anomaly within the
04:46 American system. These electors diverge from their pledged commitment, choosing to vote for a
04:51 different candidate than the one that they were elected to support. Although rare, their actions
04:56 underscore potential vulnerabilities in the electoral process, raising questions about the
05:01 balance between elector discretion and voter intent. "In 2016, 10 members of the Electoral
05:06 College voted or tried to vote for a different candidate than they were pledged to." Most states
05:12 have enacted laws to penalize or prevent faithless voting, emphasizing the importance of adhering to
05:17 the electorate's choice. Despite legal safeguards, the phenomenon persists, highlighting ongoing
05:23 debates over the Electoral College's role and the extent to which electors should exercise
05:27 independent judgment versus reflecting the popular vote within their states. "If we had
05:32 numbers like that this year, when it looks like this could come down to less than 10 electoral
05:36 votes, it could upend the entire election." Number 15. Swing states. "What's a swing state and why
05:43 do they matter? They got the name because it's hard to predict how they'll vote." Battleground
05:48 states hold a pivotal role in elections due to their unpredictable voting patterns. Unlike states
05:53 with strong partisan leanings, swing states are up for grabs, and this makes them fiercely contested
05:59 territories where elections are often won or lost. Campaigns invest heavily in these areas,
06:04 tailoring messages to sway undecided voters and maximize turnout. The demographic, economic,
06:10 and political diversity within swing states can make them microcosms of the broader national
06:14 electorate, giving them disproportionate influence over the election's outcome. "Pretty sweet, huh?
06:21 What the hell is this? What's it look like? Hundreds of thousands of votes from all the
06:25 swing states." Number 14. Age, citizenship, and residence requirements. "You might think that
06:31 being elected to the highest office in the land comes with a lengthy list of requirements. You'd
06:35 be wrong. Officially, there are only three." The Constitution sets specific eligibility criteria
06:42 for candidates to ensure they have a substantial connection to the country and its people.
06:46 Candidates must be at least 35 years old, demonstrating maturity and likely experience
06:51 in governance or public service. They must be natural-born citizens, a requirement aimed at
06:56 safeguarding national loyalty and security interests. Additionally, candidates are required
07:02 to have resided in the United States for at least 14 years, ensuring they are familiar with and
07:08 invested in the nation's affairs. These criteria reflect the framers' intention to balance inclusivity
07:14 with the need for a president deeply rooted in and committed to the United States and its
07:19 principles. "Do you meet the job description? If so, take a shot. Seems like everybody else is.
07:25 What you got to lose?" Number 13. The House decides in a tie. "It's a tie."
07:31 In the rare event of an electoral college tie or no candidate achieving the necessary majority of
07:40 electoral votes, the Constitution delegates the responsibility to the House of Representatives.
07:46 This contingency process, outlined in the 12th Amendment, grants each state delegation in the
07:51 House one vote, requiring a majority of states to elect a president. Representatives from each state
07:58 must come to a consensus on their vote, highlighting the importance of state unity
08:02 in this unique situation. The Senate, meanwhile, chooses the vice president under similar rules.
08:08 "If you become president, would Clara Underwood remain as vice president?"
08:12 "Not if she wants what's best for the country." "But given the 12th Amendment, would you have a choice?"
08:16 This procedure underscores the balance of power between the states and the federal government,
08:22 ensuring a democratic resolution to electoral deadlocks. Number 12. Inauguration gap. The
08:28 lengthy wait between early November's election day and the inauguration on January 20th serves
08:33 several vital functions in the U.S. electoral process. "Though the Doe administration doesn't
08:38 officially take power for a few months, I wanted to let the people know that we're going to make
08:43 the transition as painless as possible." This period allows for the resolution of any disputes
08:48 over election results, ensuring a clear and uncontested transition of power. Additionally,
08:53 it provides time for the formal counting and certification of electoral votes by Congress,
08:58 a critical step in the democratic process. This interval also facilitates the outgoing
09:03 administration's orderly transfer of responsibilities to the incoming president,
09:08 ensuring continuity in governance. Instituted to address practical and procedural necessities,
09:14 this delay is a built-in feature of the American political system, reflecting its emphasis on
09:19 stability and rule of law. "You're going to try to get the amendment passed in the House of
09:24 Representatives before the term ends, before the inauguration." Number 11. Winner takes all.
09:31 "Texas and South Carolina and two democratic states, California and Massachusetts, are being
09:37 sued over their systems of winner take all." Utilized in all but two states, Maine and
09:42 Nebraska, the winner takes all system fundamentally shapes American elections. Under this system,
09:48 the presidential candidate receiving the majority of votes in a state secures all of that state's
09:53 electoral votes. This method can lead to scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without
09:58 securing the nationwide popular vote, emphasizing strategic focus on key battleground states.
10:04 Critics argue it skews representation and dampens voter enthusiasm in states with a strong majority
10:10 for one party. Opponents, however, claim it simplifies the election process and promotes
10:15 a two-party system. "We came to the Department of Political Science here at Trinity University to
10:19 ask, would each and every vote actually count if the legal challenge is successful?" Number 10.
10:26 Tuesday voting. "Most people are busy and at work. So how did this happen? Why do we vote on Tuesdays
10:32 in November?" The tradition of casting ballots on a Tuesday is deeply embedded in America's
10:37 traditions, originating from an era when voters traveled by horse and buggy. Established by
10:43 Congress in 1845, this decision was based on the agricultural calendar, allowing farmers to avoid
10:49 interfering with the Sabbath and Market Day, which was typically on Wednesday. Despite its seemingly
10:55 archaic context in modern life, this practice persists despite proposals for change. Moving
11:01 the voting day to the weekend or declaring it a national holiday has been suggested to increase
11:06 turnout by making it easier for working Americans to participate. The resistance to changing this
11:11 tradition highlights the challenges of modifying long-standing practices in the face of evolving
11:17 societal needs. "And some want to change when we vote to a more convenient day to fit modern society."
11:22 Number nine. Disenfranchisement laws. The issue of disenfranchisement, particularly regarding
11:29 felons, highlights a significant and contentious aspect of the nation's elections. The variation
11:35 in laws across states regarding the restoration of voting rights reflects broader debates about
11:40 justice, rehabilitation, and citizenship. Disenfranchisement not only affects individuals'
11:45 ability to participate in democracy, but also has broader societal implications,
11:50 impacting community representation and contributing to systemic inequalities. "And very few of those
11:56 people realized that nearly 30 percent of the black male population of Alabama today has
12:01 permanently lost the right to vote as a result of a criminal conviction." Efforts to reform these laws,
12:07 such as through ballot initiatives and legislative changes, underscore the evolving conversation
12:12 about the role of voting rights and the importance of ensuring that all citizens,
12:16 regardless of their past mistakes, have the opportunity to have their voices heard.
12:21 "There are more individuals that have come home and has turned their life completely around,
12:27 or have discovered their life and is living a life. Look at them. Give them an opportunity."
12:34 Number 8. Primaries and Caucuses. Every four years, American states hold either a primary election
12:40 or caucuses, part of which is to choose that state's top Republican and Democratic presidential
12:44 candidates. The use of primaries and caucuses in the United States is a unique aspect of its
12:50 democracy, allowing members of political parties to have a direct say in choosing their candidates.
12:55 This system, however, is marked by significant variability and complexity, with rules differing
13:01 from state to state and between parties. "If after the first round of grouping a candidate
13:06 doesn't have 15% support, they are deemed non-viable, and supporters in their group must
13:11 either join another candidate's group or convince caucus goers in other groups to join theirs."
13:16 Caucuses in particular are criticized for their lack of transparency and accessibility,
13:21 often requiring participants to engage in lengthy discussions and negotiations.
13:26 The diversity of primaries and caucuses reflects the decentralized nature of the country,
13:31 but also poses challenges for voter participation and understanding,
13:35 leading to calls for reform and simplification.
13:38 Number 7. Complex Voting Systems. The diversity of ballot designs and voting systems contributes
13:45 to the unique landscape of the country's elections, but also introduces challenges for voters and
13:50 administrators. This complexity can lead to confusion, errors in design, and disputes over
13:55 counting, as seen in notable cases such as the 2000 presidential contest. "It was mass confusion.
14:01 At seven o'clock when the polls opened, we knew that there was a problem because people were
14:08 walking out of the polls distraught, calling their husbands, calling their wives, telling
14:12 them to be careful." The use of different technologies, from paper ballots to electronic
14:17 machines, further complicates the process, raising concerns about security, reliability,
14:23 and voter confidence. Efforts to standardize and simplify procedures, enhance security measures,
14:28 and improve voter education are crucial to ensuring the integrity of the process
14:33 and maintaining public trust in the outcomes. "It has to be a grassroots effort to persuade the
14:40 people that represent us that this is not what we want. We want a system we can trust."
14:45 Number six, no automatic registration. "I showed the poll worker my identification,
14:52 and he looked at the roll, and he looked at me, and he said, 'We have a problem. You're not on
14:57 the roll.'" Contrary to many democracies that automatically enroll citizens, the United States
15:02 places the responsibility on individuals themselves. This procedure varies significantly
15:08 across states, with some offering online enrollment and others requiring in-person
15:13 visits to government offices, creating a patchwork of regulations that can confuse
15:18 and disenfranchise potential voters. "Either not having their voter registration card, going to
15:23 their precinct that they had voted at before, and now being told that they weren't on the roster,
15:29 that their names have been purged." The absence of unified automatic enrollment is seen by many
15:35 as a barrier to full participation, contributing to disparities in turnout among different
15:40 demographic groups. Advocates for reform argue that automatic enrollment could streamline the
15:46 process, increase participation rates, and strengthen the process by making it more inclusive
15:51 and accessible. Number five, campaign spending. The financial demands of competing for the nation's
15:57 highest office are unparalleled. This requirement for substantial fundraising has profound
16:02 implications, raising concerns about the influence of wealthy donors and the potential for corruption.
16:08 "You are spending millions of dollars buying politicians, spreading misinformation,
16:13 and influencing legislation for your personal gain." The reliance on extensive advertising,
16:19 paid staff, and nationwide travel means that contenders often spend a significant portion of
16:25 their campaign courting donors rather than engaging with voters directly. This dynamic
16:30 has prompted discussions about reform, including the implementation of public financing options
16:36 and limits on spending to reduce the outsized impact of money on outcomes and ensure a more
16:42 equitable and representative process. "When you have a political campaign that costs 200 million
16:47 dollars, you owe someone something somewhere down the line. That's why I refuse to run television
16:52 commercials." Number four, influence of lobby groups. Lobby groups and political action committees,
16:59 or PACs, play a significant role in elections, leveraging resources to influence policy and
17:05 public opinion. "The head of PR told me that our company funded super PACs on both sides during
17:12 the last election. Ah, just so it's fluffed." Their involvement in the process is a double-edged sword,
17:19 providing a means for interest groups to participate in democracy while also raising
17:24 concerns about the potential for undue influence over elected officials. The Citizens United ruling
17:30 by the Supreme Court amplified these concerns by allowing unlimited spending on advocacy,
17:35 further entrenching the role of money in politics. Critics argue that this environment undermines the
17:41 principle of one person, one vote, as the voice of ordinary citizens is drowned out by the financial
17:47 power of a few. "Gentlemen, we're really counting on your support. The guys at Goldman Sachs are
17:54 prepared to donate $500,000 to your super PAC. Provided, of course, you pick up the phone anytime
18:01 we call." Number three, impediments to voting. "For ease of voting, speed and accuracy of vote.
18:07 It eliminates long lines and confusion at the polls." Lengthy waits at polling places have
18:14 become a symbol of the challenges facing the nation's voting system, reflecting issues with
18:18 the infrastructure, resource allocation, and administration. These delays are not only
18:24 inconveniences, but also potential barriers to participation, disproportionately affecting low
18:29 income and minority communities. "This man had never been arrested, the minister in the community,
18:36 but yet they had identified him as a fellow." The causes of lengthy waits are multifaceted,
18:42 including outdated machines, a shortage of locations, and inadequate staffing,
18:47 which can be exacerbated by high turnout. Addressing these issues requires investment
18:52 in infrastructure, better planning, and management of locations, and policies to
18:57 expand early and mail-in ballots, ensuring that all citizens can exercise their rights efficiently.
19:03 Number two, long campaign periods. "Guys, if this thing is gonna work, then it's gotta fit me.
19:09 It's gotta be my campaign, okay?" "This is not your campaign." The United States is notable for
19:14 its exceptionally lengthy presidential campaign periods, a phenomenon that has no parallel in
19:19 other major democracies. This extended timeline allows candidates to traverse the nation,
19:25 engaging with a diverse electorate across a range of issues. However, it also demands significant
19:30 financial resources and personal endurance, potentially disadvantaging otherwise qualified
19:36 contenders who lack the means or desire to sustain such prolonged efforts. These marathon
19:42 periods are often criticized for contributing to polarization and voter apathy, as the constant
19:47 barrage of messaging can desensitize or overwhelm voters, raising questions about the optimal
19:53 balance between thorough vetting of candidates and maintaining engagement. "Ladies and gentlemen,
19:58 it's now time for the campaign. It's gonna be a whole new ballgame, so brace yourselves, people."
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20:16 Number one, Electoral College. "Your vote gets counted with the rest of the votes in the country
20:24 and then gets sent off to the Electoral College. What's that? The Electoral College are a bunch of
20:29 officials who do the voting for us." There's no doubt that the Electoral College stands as one of
20:35 the most distinctive and controversial features of the American process, often baffling observers
20:40 both domestically and abroad. Established by the Constitution as a compromise, it was intended to
20:46 balance power between larger and smaller states. However, its relevance and effectiveness has been
20:52 called into question, especially when the winner of the popular vote did not secure the presidency.
20:57 Efforts to reform or abolish the college have gained momentum, advocating for a more direct
21:02 representation of the popular will. Yet the complexity of amending the Constitution makes
21:08 it incredibly difficult to change. "As it turned out, there's a virtually unprecedented tie in the
21:14 Electoral College, a somewhat arcane institution that many scholars believe we should do away with."
21:20 What do you think is the strangest aspect of American presidential elections? Let us know in
21:25 the comments. "Funny how voting works in this country, isn't it, Cal? Each one of these, a person."
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21:37 [Music]