Electoral College
Overview
The Electoral College is the system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President. Established by the Founding Fathers during the Constitutional Convention of 1787, it was designed as a compromise between allowing Congress to choose the executive and enabling direct popular voting. The Electoral College reflects each state's representation in Congress: two senators plus one representative per state, totaling 538 electors (435 representatives + 100 senators + 3 from Washington, D.C.).
Key Themes
The system emphasizes indirect election, balancing state and federal interests, and ensuring representation for both small and large states. Each state's elector count reflects its population, with a minimum of three per state. Most states use a "winner-takes-all" approach, awarding all their electoral votes to the candidate who wins the popular vote there. A candidate must secure at least 270 electoral votes to win.
Significance
The Electoral College is a foundational element of U.S. governance. It ensures that smaller states and rural areas have a voice in federal elections. However, it has also been criticized for allowing candidates to win without the popular vote. Debates about its fairness continue, highlighting its enduring impact on American democracy.