Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Why was the electoral college even created

BlueVeins · 22-25
Because when the US was founded, the vast majority of the populace was uneducated and direct voting was therefore rather impractical. It's obsolete now, with compulsory public education.
ViciDraco · 36-40, M
@BlueVeins I'd argue that even with compulsory education that our country isn't very educated when it comes to matters the government needs to deal with
BlueVeins · 22-25
@ViciDraco That's fairly true, but it's a lot better than nothing and I should also add that the proliferation of public programming and college education contributes a lot. Either way, it's not like we really use the electors' expertise anyway; we just vote for the electors who we think will vote for the candidate we like.
TexChik · F
Originally, the Electoral College provided the Constitutional Convention with a compromise between the popular election of the President and congressional selection. ... The 12th Amendment—ratified in 1804—changed the original process, allowing for separate ballots for determining the President and Vice President.
Early colonial ideas of needing “smarter” individuals to counter dumb vote choices of the masses.

It has its pros and cons in my view.
Dale321 · M
You are making shit up.@Temporallube
Moosepantspatty · 31-35, M
To ensure that states have equal representation, so that states like CA and NY cant steamroll elections.

It doesnt work the best, but it's better than nothin.
QuixoticSoul · 41-45, M
@Moosepantspatty Not even remotely the reason why. Read the founders words on the topic.
QuixoticSoul · 41-45, M
Originally - to make sure that the people wouldn't elect an unsuitable retard. The founders didn't trust us all that much, and wanted a safety check.
AthrillatheHunt · 51-55, M
Do not listen to any answer you get here.
Pfuzylogic · M
AthrillatheHunt · 51-55, M
She’s asking this rogues gallery to explain the philosophy and reasoning behind the US national electoral system? That’s like asking a 5 year old to explain where babies come from. Lol
pm@Pfuzylogic
Pfuzylogic · M
@AthrillatheHunt
Or use a troll to explain why she shouldn’t use anyone else’s answer.
Johnblackthorn · 56-60, M
Because the founding fathers didn't trust the citizens with something as important as who the president is.
most Americans think its a wonderful idea.
Pfuzylogic · M
Each state is a separate entity otherwise there would just be a federal government and no state government.
AngelKrish · 26-30, M
To understand elections and human right so you can understand politics!
ViciDraco · 36-40, M
Multiple reasons.

1) because voting accuracy was hard and communication across the country, even just being the east coast at the time was time consuming and risky.

2) to protect the interests of the elite

3) to strike a better balance between electoral power of higher populated states vs lower populated states. In those days, the state government was much more important than the federal government. Most people would even identify by their state primarily. They weren't Americans first, they were new Yorkers or Virginians.

 
Post Comment