Why do we have elections in the first place ?

An election is like a voting system.

Explanation:

Like, Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, had an election. Trump won the election, now, he is president

divided Rhode Islanders over the issue of expanding voting rights for white men

Explanation:

The dorr war refers to fighting that divided Rhode Islanders over the issue of expanding voting rights for white men. The war was due to disenfranchisement and it was led by Thomas Wilson Dorr as they sought for changes to electoral rule in Rhode Island. The state was using a constitution that required voters to own land as qualification to vote. The state won the war and Dorr was imprisoned for life, although he was later freed after a year.