They claim that the advantage in voting power possessed by large states exceeds the arithmetic advantage of smaller states. Furthermore, the argument about faithless electors can only be considered incorrect since “only nine such electoral votes have been cast against instructions since 1820 and none have ever influenced the outcome of an election” (Electoral College: Reform). Arguments in support of the Electoral College also hold that small states and large states are equally represented, one way or another, in the Electoral College system. Because small states have more direct representation and are therefore able to strongly influence the outcomes of their constituencies, “political parties recognize that in a close election their electoral vote may be crucial” (Thornton). This means that both large and small states are equally important and that one state is not weakened by the other. After all, the Electoral College system is built on the basis of separation of powers, just like any American politician