Question 55·Easy·Command of Evidence
Total Electoral College Votes and Popular Votes in the 15th US Presidential Election
| Candidate | Total electoral college votes | Total popular votes |
|---|---|---|
| James K. Polk | 170 | 1,339,494 |
| Henry Clay | 105 | 1,300,004 |
| James Gillespie Birney | 0 | 62,103 |
A student is writing a paper on the history of the 15th presidential election in the United States, which was held in 1844. The student needs to determine how many electoral college votes were cast for the winning candidate, James K. Polk. According to the table, James K. Polk received ____
Which choice most effectively uses data from the table to complete the statement?
For chart and table questions, start by identifying exactly what and whom the question is asking about (here: James K. Polk’s electoral college votes). Then go straight to that person’s row and the correct column, read the value carefully, and finally match that exact value to an answer choice—this avoids mixing up rows (candidates) or columns (electoral vs. popular votes) and saves time by ignoring extra information.
Hints
Focus on the correct candidate and column
Make sure you are looking at the row for James K. Polk, not the other candidates, and the column labeled "Total electoral college votes", not the popular votes column.
Read the exact number in the cell
Once you are in Polk’s row and the electoral votes column, carefully read the number written there. Don’t mix it up with the popular vote numbers, which are much larger.
Compare the table’s number to the answer choices
After you find the number in the table for Polk’s electoral votes, look for the answer choice that matches that number and wording exactly.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question asks for the number of electoral college votes received by the winning candidate, James K. Polk, in the 1844 (15th) presidential election. So you are looking for a specific number in the "Total electoral college votes" column for James K. Polk.
Locate James K. Polk in the table
In the table, find the row with the candidate name James K. Polk. Then look across that row to the column labeled "Total electoral college votes". The value in that cell is the number you need.
Match the table value to an answer choice
In James K. Polk’s row, the "Total electoral college votes" entry is 170. Now look at the answer choices and select the one that says "170 electoral college votes.", which is choice C.