Electoral College (United States)
Overview
The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the Constitution of the United States, formed every four years for the sole purpose of electing the president and vice president of the United States. The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, and an absolute majority of at least 270 electoral votes is required to win the election.
Historical Background
The Electoral College was established by Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution and modified by the 12th and 23rd Amendments. The founding fathers established it as a compromise between election of the president by a vote in Congress and election of the president by a popular vote of qualified citizens.
Electoral Votes Allocation
Each state is allocated a number of electors equal to the number of its U.S. Senators (always 2) plus the number of its U.S. Representatives. The District of Columbia is allocated 3 electors and treated like a state for purposes of the Electoral College under the 23rd Amendment of the Constitution.
Process of Electing the President
The process of electing the president starts with the presidential primary elections and caucuses and the nominating conventions, where the main candidates are chosen. The general election is then held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. The electors of the Electoral College then meet in their respective states to cast their votes for president and vice president on the Monday after the second Wednesday in December.
Controversies and Criticisms
The Electoral College has been the subject of criticism over the years. Critics argue that the Electoral College system is less democratic than a direct popular vote and that it can lead to the election of a candidate who did not receive the most total votes in the general election.
Reform Proposals
Various reform proposals have been suggested to change the Electoral College system, including a move to a direct popular vote for president. However, to abolish the Electoral College would require a constitutional amendment, and the likelihood of that happening in the current political climate is slim.