STUDY OF ELECTION PROCEDURE OF U.S. PRESIDENTS

WHEREAS, there are serious questions on the part of many political scientists and constitutional scholars regarding the proposed constitutional amendment providing for direct election of the President and Vice President by popular vote; and

WHEREAS, the American Federation of Teachers has for many years supported direct election of the President and Vice President by popular vote; and

WHEREAS, evidence currently available indicates that the ability of labor, minorities and other elements of the progressive coalition to elect presidential candidates sympathetic to their cause is greater under the electoral system than under direct election by popular vote; and

WHEREAS, popular election of the President could encourage the proliferation of minority parties:

RESOLVED, that this convention of the American Federation of Teachers rescind the AFT's previous support for a constitutional amendment providing for direct election; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT examine the matter and develop new policy on this important constitutional question.