What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

The purpose of the Electoral College is to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. This system was established in the U.S. Constitution and reflects a compromise between electing the president by a vote in Congress and by popular vote. Each state is allocated a number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress, which includes both its number of Senators and Representatives. When citizens cast their votes during the presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to vote for their chosen candidate. These electors then meet in their respective state capitols and cast the official votes for president and vice president, which are subsequently counted by Congress.

This process is significant because it adds an additional layer to the election system, helping to balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones. The Electoral College ensures that every state has a role in the election of the president, rather than allowing the outcome to hinge solely on the states with the largest populations.