What is the purpose of the Electoral College?

The purpose of the Electoral College is to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. This system, established by the Constitution, involves a group of electors from each state who are chosen based on the popular vote in their respective states. These electors then cast their votes for President and Vice President. The Electoral College serves as a compromise between electing the President by a vote in Congress and by direct popular vote, ensuring that both the populous and less populous states have a role in the selection of the nation's leaders. This process emphasizes the federal nature of the United States, allowing state governments to participate in the national election process.