Paul Introduces Resolution Addressing Presidential Election Controversy PDF Print E-mail
FOR RELEASE: December 6, 2000

Paul Introduces Resolution Addressing Presidential Election Controversy Expresses Support for Constitutionally Prescribed Republicanism and Electoral College System

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Ron Paul introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives Monday urging Congress to express its support for our Constitution in the midst of the presidential election dispute. H.Con.Res. 443 clarifies the nature of our federal system as a constitutionally limited republic, rather than a democracy. It also underscores the importance of the electoral college system, which preserves the sovereign power of individual states in national elections. The resolution serves as a response to recent calls for the abolition of the electoral college among some in Congress and the media.
"The election dispute presents Congress with an opportunity to demonstrate allegiance to the Constitution," Paul stated. "The Founding Fathers showed wisdom when they created a republican form of government rather than a direct democracy. They knew individual rights and states rights would be threatened by purely popular voting in presidential elections, so they gave us the electoral college system to guard against majority tyranny. Yet some in Congress want to discard the Constitution at the first sign of a 'crisis,' which is in truth nothing more than a very close election. This is a time for Congress to reaffirm, rather than abandon, its belief in constitutional principles."
If enacted, H.Con.Res. 443 could signal an early demise for anti-electoral college forces in the next Congress. A constitutional amendment eliminating the college faces an uphill battle, requiring passage by supermajorities of both bodies of Congress and ratification by the states. "The Founding Fathers made it difficult to amend the Constitution," Paul continued. "They did so to safeguard liberty against impassioned popular opinion."
"This resolution should be an interesting litmus test for Congress," Paul concluded. "Some members are quick to discard the Constitution when they disagree with the results of the electoral college. The collectivist liberals want popular elections because they know their constituencies are concentrated in certain heavily populated states. They want to nullify the voting power of the smaller, pro-liberty states. Supporters of my resolution can send a strong message that every state still matters, and that liberty is more important than shifting majority sentiment."