The King’s College Press Launches ‘The Electoral College: Critical to Our Republic’

The King’s College Press, featuring scholarly works by TKC faculty, alumni and friends, is excited to announce the publication of alumnus Josiah Peterson’s book The Electoral College, a concise and well-researched survey of the contentious institution’s history and role in American politics.

The book comes in response to the unexpected outcome of the presidential election of 2016, in which one candidate won the popular vote, and the other won the majority of the Electoral College—and with it, the presidency. In the weeks and months following the election, individuals and groups across the country—from former vice president Al Gore to the editorial board of the New York Times—called for an end to the Electoral College system. Though much of the debate about the Electoral College fell along partisan lines, it became clear that many Americans are genuinely troubled by the reality that in our political system, a president can be elected without taking the majority of the popular vote. How can this be the case in a democratic republic, where government is supposed to be “of the people, by the people, for the people?”

This is the question Peterson addresses head-on in the book. From the founders’ original vision for democracy in America to the contentious election of 1860 (when Abraham Lincoln, the man who spoke at Gettysburg of government “of the people,” won the election through the Electoral College while losing the popular vote), Peterson presents an articulate and compelling defense of the Electoral College and its role in mitigating the power of regional majorities in American politics.

The book addresses five common myths, from “The Electoral College is racist” to “The Electoral College violates the democratic principles of the founders,” and presents the historical and political realities that belie these myths. Peterson reminds readers that the Electoral College has always had detractors, including the demagogic populist Andrew Jackson, and urges caution in embracing the ideal of “pure democracy,” where the president is selected purely on the basis of the popular vote—a model that strips minority groups, smaller states, and rural populations of their voice in national politics.

President Gregory Alan Thornbury explains, “Josiah Peterson takes readers on a methodological myth-busting journey of the Electoral College. This short read addresses nuances thoroughly and is a must-read in today’s political world.”

United States Senator Ted Cruz also offered praise for the book. “All readers, whatever their political views, can learn something from this book. Josiah Peterson’s writing is rooted in what will stay universal amidst our differences—the vision and writings of our nation’s Framers.”

The book is available on Amazon for Kindle download and paperback as well as sold through the King’s Gear website. More information as well as a free PDF download is available through The King’s College Press site.  Bulk orders should be directed to the Office of the President at president@tkc.edu.