'The Electoral College is no longer fit for purpose'. Discuss.

This question asks whether the American electoral system, the Electoral College (EC), is still the best way to elect the President of the United States. A question like this requires you to consider both the positives and the negatives of the EC despite the fact that the statement implies a more negative view of the system. Strengths include that it is a quick and easy way to filter the popular vote and usually shows a clear winner out of all the candidates, as well as the fact that it allows each state to have a say in who becomes the next president, including smaller states such as Wyoming and Montana that are usually bypassed. However, last year's 2016 presidential election demonstrates the flaws of the system, as for the third time in history the candidate with more votes lost the election due to the use of a 'winner-takes-all' system in 48/50 states, with Clinton amassing more votes yet losing to Trump which is deeply unfair. Swing states also find their influence emphasised - most states are 'safe' and usually always vote for the same party (e.g California always votes Democrat and Texas Republican), and thus the few which are likely to swing are the real ones who have the power to change the course of an election, making the votes in safe states almost redundant. 

In terms of structuring the essay, it is best to outline your argument in the introduction, and then present a for and against argument with each point complimenting each other - for example, the argument that it usually produces a strong and clear winner can be counteracted by the fact it failed to last year, as these points link together. Analysis is also extremely important, to relate back to the question at the end of each paragraph as well as demonstrating why your argument is more believable than the other side. Of course, due to the nature of politics, up to date examples must be included as much as possible and must be relevant - the more up to date the example, the more credible the answer will appear.