Meaning: The quote "Require... electoral votes to be allocated in proportion to the popular votes" by Robert Dahl reflects a call for electoral reform in the United States. It suggests that electoral votes should be distributed in a manner that aligns more closely with the popular vote, as opposed to the winner-takes-all system that is currently in place in many states. This concept has been a topic of debate and discussion in the realm of electoral politics and has implications for the functioning of democracy in the country.

Robert Dahl, the writer of this quote, was a prominent political scientist and scholar known for his work on democracy and democratic theory. He was a strong advocate for greater democratic participation and the need for political institutions to reflect the will of the people. Throughout his career, Dahl made significant contributions to the understanding of democratic processes and the mechanisms through which political power is exercised.

The allocation of electoral votes in proportion to the popular vote is a concept that challenges the traditional electoral college system in the United States. Under the current system, each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes, and the candidate who wins the popular vote in a particular state typically receives all of its electoral votes. This winner-takes-all approach can lead to situations where a candidate wins the electoral college while losing the overall popular vote, as was the case in the 2000 and 2016 presidential elections.

Advocates for reform argue that the winner-takes-all system can distort the democratic process by giving disproportionate power to certain states and diminishing the impact of the popular vote. By requiring electoral votes to be allocated in proportion to the popular vote, proponents of reform believe that the electoral college would better reflect the will of the electorate and reduce the potential for outcomes that do not align with the national popular vote.

One proposed method for achieving this proportional allocation of electoral votes is the "proportional allocation" system, where electoral votes would be distributed to candidates based on their share of the popular vote in each state. For example, if a candidate receives 40% of the popular vote in a state, they would be awarded 40% of that state's electoral votes. This approach aims to create a more accurate reflection of the electorate's preferences and reduce the likelihood of a candidate winning the electoral college while losing the popular vote.

Advocates of proportional allocation argue that it would encourage candidates to campaign in a wider range of states, as they would have the potential to win electoral votes even in states where they may not win the majority of the popular vote. This could lead to more inclusive and representative campaigns, as candidates would have an incentive to engage with voters in all states, rather than focusing primarily on so-called "battleground" or swing states.

However, implementing a proportional allocation system for electoral votes would require significant changes to the current electoral college framework, which is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Amending the Constitution is a complex and arduous process, requiring the approval of two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as ratification by three-fourths of the states. As a result, the likelihood of such a fundamental change to the electoral college system remains uncertain.

Despite the challenges associated with implementing proportional allocation of electoral votes, the concept continues to be the subject of debate and discussion among scholars, politicians, and the public. Proponents argue that it would enhance the fairness and representativeness of the electoral process, while opponents raise concerns about potential unintended consequences and the impact on the balance of power between states.

In conclusion, the quote by Robert Dahl advocating for electoral votes to be allocated in proportion to the popular vote encapsulates a broader conversation about the functioning of democracy and the electoral process in the United States. While the concept of proportional allocation presents potential benefits in terms of representation and fairness, its implementation would require significant changes to the existing electoral college system and faces considerable political and constitutional hurdles. Nonetheless, the ongoing dialogue surrounding electoral reform reflects a commitment to addressing the complexities and challenges of democratic governance in the modern era.