Who determines the president if no candidate wins a majority of electoral votes?

Study for the Taft Law School Bar Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The correct choice is the House of Representatives, which is responsible for determining the president if no candidate secures a majority of electoral votes in the electoral college system. This situation is addressed in the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which explicitly states that if no candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes, the election of the president is decided by the House of Representatives.

In this context, each state delegation in the House votes as a unit, and a candidate must receive a majority of those state votes to be elected president. This process underscores the principle of state representation within the federal system of government.

The other entities mentioned do not have the authority to make this determination. The Supreme Court primarily handles legal disputes and does not participate in the electoral process in this manner. Similarly, the Senate's role is limited to electing the vice president if there is no majority in the electoral votes for that position. The Cabinet, composed of the heads of executive departments, does not have any role in the election of the president. This delineation of powers illustrates the checks and balances within the U.S. government structure.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy