Resolved: The Electoral College Should Be Abolished

Bold is my opponent's text:CX for Round 4:How is the communist system unique? It functions just like every other dictatorship - you have the dictator (or Communist Party leadership) at the top, and you have to obey them. Functionally, this is not unique. Our system is unique in that we are not a nation unilaterally divided into unimportant provinces, but rather a nation of states.The communist system is unique in the same way that the republic government is unique. Rome ran with the same ideals of a republic. The Romans voted for their electors who voted for those above them. Lack of third party participation has little to do with the electoral college, it has to do with the two-party system. Third parties are barely relevant at the state levels either, and they run with the popular-vote system. Out of the 50 governors, only 1 - Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island - is an independent.I agree that lack of third party participation is a symptom of the two-party system, and I contend that the two-party system is encouraged in the electoral college to the point where third parties do not receive fair representation. Gubernatorial campaigns are not on the scale of presidential campaigns, therefore, there is far less representation of third parties. States are not an accurate measure.In response to the idea of the popular vote being flexible - no it can't. Popular vote, by definition has basically two options - you either can win with a plurality of the vote, or you have to get a majority of the vote. Further, to adopt the popular vote you would have to make a consistutitonal amendement and pass it, which is very obviously difficult to do (it is hard to get three-fourths of the states, let alone two-thirds of Congress, to agree on anything). The electoral college can be changed easily and in a grassroots way.I don't believe I said that the popular vote system was flexible -- I said that the switch from an electoral system to a popular system would be an easy, flexible move. It seems as if the EC has this same two-fold option that the popular vote has -- blue or red. 63% of Americans are in favor of removing the electoral college, and this support has always been high, even back in 1968 80% of Americans favored removing it. The 'abolish the EC' is not as new as my opponent claims it is. [1][1] - http://www.gallup.com...;---Since this is my final rebuttal, this will discuss arguments made in round 3 and round 3 only. My opponent has not addressed the following contentions in any of his speeches and/or cross-examinations:--Contention 5: The Electoral College decreases the quality of candidatesSince candidates are now competing against anyone, not just the other party, there are fewer differences between the views of candidates. Therefore, candidates work harder to outshine each other. With many choices, competition is increased. This increased competition along with harder-working candidates leads to more productive candidates and a more productive society.Contention 6: The Electoral College sends negative views of the U.S. overseasAmerica is a symbol of freedom and representation. Foreigners look to America as a free country where everyone's ideas are represented. Essentially, America is a symbol of paradise for some, but for others, it is lies. Our "representation" is nothing because of the corruption. The Electoral College is part of the reason that America receives negative stereotypes overseas.Contention 7: The Electoral College puts too much stress on campaigningThe Electoral College system in place now forces candidates to spend large portions of their terms campaigning for the next one. --Please consider those won in the favor of the affirmation.Since my opponent has not presented any new contentions in Round 3, I really have nothing left to say here. Note to voters:Before voting, please read ALL comments and ALL speeches. The comments contain not only the speeches from Round 2 but the cross-examinations between the two debaters. I would like to congratulate my opponent on a fantastic, fun debate, and hope that we can run another some time!Finally,Vote PRO!P.S. If my opponent would agree, perhaps the voters can put the S&G category for whoever had the better CX? I thought S&G was pretty even throughout the rounds, and hopefully my opponent would agree.