What is the Electoral College?

The Electoral College is a body of electors that the Constitution established specifically for the purpose of electing the President and Vice President of the United States. This system was designed as a compromise between direct popular vote and election by Congress, reflecting the framers' intent to balance the influence of populous states with that of smaller ones in presidential elections.

Each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress, which equals the sum of its Senators (always 2) and Representatives in the House. When citizens cast their votes for President, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to support their preferred candidate. These electors then formally cast their votes in a meeting held in their respective state capitals, contributing to the official results of the election.

This mechanism plays a significant role in the functioning of U.S. democracy, impacting campaign strategies and the political landscape of presidential elections. Understanding the Electoral College is crucial, as it highlights the unique way in which the United States conducts its presidential elections, differentiating it from systems that rely solely on a direct popular vote.