The Framers of the United States Constitution established the Electoral College as a compromise between election of the President by Congress and election by popular vote. The idea behind the Electoral College was to give states a certain degree of influence in the election of the President while still ensuring that the President was chosen by qualified individuals.
The Electoral College affects the balance of power in the United States between the federal government and the states by giving the states an important role in the election of the President. Each state is allotted a certain number of electors based on the number of representatives it has in the House of Representatives plus two for its Senators. The electors are chosen by the state parties and cast their votes for President and Vice President.
The Electoral College gives smaller states a proportionally larger say in the election of the President than they would have if the President were elected by popular vote alone. This means that the smaller states have a stronger voice in the election of the President and that the balance of power between the federal government and the states is more equalized.
Additionally, because the Electoral College elects the President indirectly, it provides a safeguard against potential abuses of power by the federal government. If the President were elected by popular vote alone, it would be easier for the federal government to manipulate the election results or for one party to dominate the election process. The Electoral College ensures that the election of the President is carried out in a fair and impartial manner, with each state having a say in the outcome.