Understanding the Electoral College: Purpose & Function

Question:

What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College in U.S. presidential elections?

A) To determine the official results of Congressional elections

B) To elect the President and Vice President of the United States based on electors from each state

C) To review and amend the U.S. Constitution

D) To approve federal legislation before it becomes law

Expert Verified Answer:

B) To elect the President and Vice President of the United States based on electors from each state

Description:

The primary purpose of the Electoral College is to elect the President and Vice President of the United States. This process is defined by the U.S. Constitution and involves electors from each state casting votes based on the outcome of the popular vote in their respective states. Each state has a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress (Senators and Representatives). When citizens vote in a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to their chosen candidate. The candidate who receives a majority of the electoral votes (at least 270 out of 538) becomes the President, while the runner-up becomes the Vice President. This system was established as a compromise between electing the President by popular vote and election by Congress.