Do We Need the Electoral College?
Obviously America is Not a Democracy
This article sheds light on an institution essential in our society but whose procedure, structure, and purpose may not be well understood.
The Electoral College, as the supreme mechanism of our Presidential elections, has been a topic of heated discussions. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to understand the pros and cons of this institution — why it exists and how it operates.
I hope this writing succeeds in doing so.
Democracy or Republic
A democratic election seeks to find leadership through a popular vote and to establish a majority rule. However, the danger exists that in a Democracy, the popular majority establishes laws and regulations benefiting the majority at the expense of a minority.
The American system protects the minority and limits a majority’s power through the Supreme Court, the Constitution, and through the laws passed by representatives of the people.
This is what makes America a Republic rather than a Democracy.
As such, the President of the USA is not per se elected per the popular vote — the election is decided through a process embedded in the Consitution called the Electoral College (the term Electoral…
