What occurs if no presidential candidate achieves a majority of electoral votes?

What occurs if no presidential candidate achieves a majority of electoral votes?

• A. The election is decided by the Senate
• B. The election is decided by the Supreme Court
• C. The election is decided by the House of Representatives
• D. The election is held again

Answer: (C)

When no presidential candidate achieves a majority of electoral votes, the decision on who becomes president is made by the House of Representatives. This scenario is outlined in the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that if no candidate secures a majority, each state delegation in the House casts one vote for one of the three candidates who received the most electoral votes. The candidate with the majority of votes from the state delegations is then elected as president. This process ensures that the election can still be resolved smoothly within the bounds of constitutional law, rather than leading to chaos or uncertainty. The House of Representatives, comprising elected officials who represent the people, provides a means for making this important decision when the normal electoral process does not yield a conclusive result.

When no presidential candidate achieves a majority of electoral votes, the decision on who becomes president is made by the House of Representatives. This scenario is outlined in the 12th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which specifies that if no candidate secures a majority, each state delegation in the House casts one vote for one of the three candidates who received the most electoral votes. The candidate with the majority of votes from the state delegations is then elected as president.

This process ensures that the election can still be resolved smoothly within the bounds of constitutional law, rather than leading to chaos or uncertainty. The House of Representatives, comprising elected officials who represent the people, provides a means for making this important decision when the normal electoral process does not yield a conclusive result.