Final answer:
When Americans vote for President, they are electing electors who comprise the Electoral College. These electors eventually cast the official votes for President based on the popular vote in their states. The Electoral College system is unique to the U.S. and serves as an intermediary between the popular vote and the election of a President.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Americans cast their votes for a president, they are really electing electors. These people then gather as the Electoral College to cast ballots for the candidate who won the popular vote in their state. The unique U.S. Electoral College system consists of presidential electors from each state equivalent to the sum of its Senators and Representatives. In December, these electors meet in their respective state capitols to formally vote for the President and Vice President.
The majority of government representatives, such as city council members, mayors, state legislators, governors, and members of Congress, are selected by direct popular vote. However, the President is an exception, as this choice is made indirectly by the Electoral College, which is influenced by the popular votes in each state.
Despite being critiqued, this system has been in place since the founding of the country, designed as a safeguard against direct rule of the masses. Nonetheless, some argue today that the Electoral College is outdated, and the presidency should be determined by direct election, similar to Congress members.