What is the electoral college?

The electoral college is a body of electors established by the United States Constitution, responsible for formally electing the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state has a designated number of electors, which is equal to the total number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. When citizens cast their votes for President, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to support their chosen candidate. This system was designed to balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones in determining the outcome of presidential elections.

Understanding this structure is crucial as it affects how presidential elections are carried out in practice. The electoral college meets after the general election to cast their votes, which are then counted by Congress. This process underscores the indirect nature of the election, where the public's vote translates into votes by the electors rather than a direct selection of the President. The unique system can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency without winning the popular vote, emphasizing the importance of understanding the electoral college's role in American democracy.