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. Established by the Constitution, this system serves as a compromise between electing the President by a vote in Congress and by popular vote.

When citizens cast their votes for President, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to support a particular candidate. These electors then convene in their respective states and cast the official votes for President and Vice President. This process ensures that smaller states have a voice in the election, as electors are allocated based on the total number of Senators and Representatives each state has in Congress.

The design of the Electoral College reflects the framers' intention to balance both popular and federal interests in the election process, giving weight to the individual states while also ensuring that the decision is not solely based on the majority population. Thus, this mechanism highlights the federal nature of the United States and the importance of both individual votes and state representation in presidential elections.