Expanding Democracy

Question 1 • (MACS) 2021 NY-US History CR Summer Quarter 1

Who chose electors prior to 1820, and why did the process change?

Answer

State lawmakers chose electors, but the process changed because people wanted more of a say in the selection.

Federal lawmakers chose electors, but the process changed because state lawmakers wanted more control over the selection.

White males who owned land chose electors, but the process changed because those who did not own land wanted a say in the selection.

All white male citizens chose electors, but the process changed because state lawmakers wanted more control over the selection.

Explanation

Before 1820, state legislatures chose presidential electors in many states. The process shifted toward popular voting as more people argued that voters should have a greater say in choosing electors. So the correct choice is A: state lawmakers chose electors, and the change reflected demands for more public participation.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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