How the Electoral College balances popular will and federalism

Political Science & Electoral College

This is a paper that describes the Electoral College. There are four references used for this paper.

There are a number of components required to elect a President of the United States. It is important to understand the electoral college and the role it plays in the election process.

The electoral college is "the body that elects the presidents and vice-presidents of the United States. Article II, Section1, of the Constitution of the United States provides that each state 'shall appoint' as many presidential electors as the state has members of Congress. Three is the smallest number of electors a state many have, since every states has two senators and at least one member of the House of Representatives (gi.grolier.com/presidents/ea/side/elecollg.html)."

Popular Will

The electoral college is an "alloy of popular will. This means popular election of the president through the electoral college makes popular election fairer to the interests of geographical minorities (small states), and hence elects presidents by broader and more diverse interests than would direct national election. It produces presidents more likely to govern for 'the general good' instead of the will of 'more' of the national popular vote (Glenn)."

Selection of Electors

It is a common misconception that the selection of electors "by state legislatures is the constitutionally mandated method (Elliott)." In fact, according to "Article II, Section I, Clause 2- the Constitution stipulates: 'Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a Number of Electors,...' (Elliott)."

Purpose