At this time colonies were viewed as a major factor in determining a nations power internationally and also an engine for economic growth in a mercantilist system. Therefore, arguments in favor of U.S. Imperialism would have been fueled by the power struggle with European nations to exert global influence and dominance. Another major factor that individuals would have argued for was that colonies would have provided new markets and sources for raw materials for the growing US economy. In the end the U.S. did not become a major imperial power which most likely served the nation's power and reputation in the long run.
Electoral votes are allocated among the States based on the Census. Every State is allocated a number of votes equal to the number of senators and representatives in its U.S. Congressional delegation—two votes for its senators in the U.S. Senate plus a number of votes equal to the number of its Congressional districts.