One specific concern the Founding Fathers had was the potential for "mob rule" or direct democracy leading to the election of demagogues who could manipulate public opinion for their own gain. They were worried that a purely popular vote could result in the election of leaders who might not be fit for office, as they feared that the general public might not have the necessary information or understanding to make informed choices.
The Electoral College was designed as a compromise to address this concern. By creating a system where electors—chosen by the states—cast votes for the president, the Electoral College serves as a buffer between the popular will and the final decision on who becomes president. This system allows for a layer of deliberation, as the electors, ideally seen as informed individuals, are entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the president. This mechanism was intended to ensure that the choice of the president would be made by those believed to be more knowledgeable and capable of evaluating candidates, thus mitigating the risk of demagoguery and ensuring a more stable government.
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