The Historical Background
The United States of America is known for its robust democracy, characterized by regular elections to determine its leaders. In the history of the country, no presidential election has been more controversial and polarizing as that of 2020. This election was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread unrest in the country, with citizens taking to the streets to demand for racial justice and an end to police brutality. The heated campaigns, allegations of voter fraud, and legal battles that ensued after the election makes it one that will go down in history.
The Electoral College
The Electoral College is a body of electors appointed by each state to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. The electors are chosen by popular vote within each state, and they represent the number of senators and representatives each state has in Congress. In the 2020 election, the Electoral College played a crucial role in deciding the outcome. Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate, won the election with 306 electoral votes, while Donald Trump, the Republican incumbent, garnered 232 electoral votes.
The Popular Vote
The popular vote refers to the total number of ballots cast by individual voters. Although the popular vote does not determine the winner of the presidential election, it is a strong indicator of the public’s sentiment towards the candidates. Joe Biden won the popular vote by a margin of over 7 million votes, which is the largest margin ever recorded by a candidate who did not win the election. This disparity between the popular vote and the electoral college vote has sparked debates on the fairness of the Electoral College system in modern-day democracy.
The Role of Key States
In every presidential election, certain states play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. These states are known as swing states or battleground states because they have a history of voting for both major political parties. In the 2020 election, the outcome was heavily influenced by the swing states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states were hotly contested, and the final results from these states determined the winner of the election.
The Aftermath of the Election
The outcome of the 2020 election has been met with both celebration and criticism, with some supporters of Donald Trump refusing to accept the results. Trump and his legal team made several allegations of widespread voter fraud, which were dismissed by courts across the country. The aftermath of the election was also marred by the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, where Trump supporters attempted to overturn the election results. The insurrection resulted in the death of five people and brought to light the political polarization that has engulfed the country. Read more about the topic in this external resource we’ve specially selected for you. Review this helpful resource.
In conclusion, the 2020 presidential election was one for the history books, with its outcome hotly contested and controversial. The role of the Electoral College, swing states, and the popular vote were essential in determining the final outcome. The aftermath of the election highlights the deep political divide in the country that will take years to heal. It is crucial for all citizens to accept the results of the election and work towards national unity and cohesion.
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