Final answer:
The founding fathers created the Electoral College as a compromise between direct election by the people and selection by Congress, aiming to balance democracy with a safeguard against tyranny. It comprises electors from each state who choose the president, with the process evolving over time due to the influence of political parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origin of the Electoral College
The framers of the Constitution debated how to elect a president, leading to the creation of the Electoral College. This system was a compromise between direct popular election and selection by Congress. The fear was that direct election could lead to a president with too much popularity and little competency, while Congressional selection could undermine the separation of powers. Hamilton wrote in Federalist No. 68 that electors would serve as a check on the potential corruption and influence, providing a buffer between the presidency and the popular will.
The Electoral College consists of electors from each state equal to its representation in Congress, appointing a president and vice president. If no candidate receives a majority, the decision goes to the House of Representatives. This system aimed to create a balance between empowering the electorate and preventing the rise of a monarch-like figure.
Despite the original intention, the rise of powerful political parties and the development of political factions over time brought significant changes to the process. By 1824, states began choosing electors through popular votes, despite the founders' fears of direct democracy. Today, the primary and caucus system plays a significant role in determining party candidates, but ultimately, the president is still chosen by electors, not directly by popular vote.