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The Law of the Electoral College

Federal Legislative History

Legislative history materials are produced during the legislative process. Committee reports and hearings are particularly helpful in determining legislative intent. Committee reports pertain to proposed legislation and issues under investigation. Hearings are meetings before a chamber or committee, usually open to the public, to obtain information and opinions on proposed legislation; investigate, evaluate, or oversee the activities of a government department or the implementation of a federal law; or simply to explore testimony and data about topics of current interest.

Reform or replacement of the Electoral College was a popular congressional subject of interest through the 1980s; however, recently congressional interest in the subject has waned. None of the recent measures for proposing to amend, reform, or replace the Electoral College have received much consideration beyond referral to committee.

Below are select hearings and reports pertaining to Electoral College reform, from 1970 to the present. To find additional material, please refer to the Law Library's research guide, Compiling a Federal Legislative History: A Beginner’s Guide.