Why do you think the founders created the Electoral College as an election method? Give at least one specific concern the founders had and how the Electoral College addresses that concern. (A good answer will be clear, concise, and based on information learned in our lessons) (4 points)

Answer 1

The founders created the Electoral College as a compromise between direct popular elections and election by Congress, primarily to balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones and to address concerns about the potential for mob rule. One specific concern was the fear that an uninformed electorate could be swayed by demagogues or popular sentiments rather than making reasoned decisions about leadership.

The Electoral College addresses this concern by having electors, chosen by the states, who are expected to be more informed about the candidates and the political process. This layer of electors serves as a buffer between the general populace and the election of the president, promoting a more deliberative selection of the nation's leader and encouraging candidates to campaign in a variety of states, rather than focusing solely on populous urban centers. This system was intended to help ensure that the election of the president would reflect a more balanced and considered choice.