Answer:
To compare and contrast the views of Samples and McConnell about the Electoral College:
**Similarities:**
1. Both Samples and McConnell likely acknowledge the historical role of the Electoral College in the United States' presidential election process.
2. They may both recognize the Electoral College as a mechanism intended to balance the influence of large and small states in the presidential election process.
3. Both may agree that the Electoral College system has advantages and disadvantages.
**Differences:**
1. Samples might advocate for the reform or abolition of the Electoral College, viewing it as an outdated system that does not accurately reflect the will of the people. McConnell, on the other hand, might defend the Electoral College, emphasizing its role in preserving the federal nature of the United States and protecting the interests of smaller states.
2. Samples might argue that the Electoral College leads to disproportionate representation and disenfranchisement, particularly for voters in states with smaller populations. McConnell, however, may counter that the Electoral College ensures that candidates must appeal to a broad cross-section of the country rather than just populous urban areas.
3. Samples might prioritize the popular vote as the most democratic way to elect a president, while McConnell might emphasize the importance of preserving the constitutional framework and the intentions of the Founding Fathers.
Overall, while both Samples and McConnell may recognize the complexities and controversies surrounding the Electoral College, their perspectives on its merits and drawbacks, as well as their proposed solutions, are likely to differ based on their respective ideological and political perspectives.
