The Electoral College is the system the United States uses to elect its president. The documents below explain why some people support it and why others want to replace it. A document can describe or defend the system without proving that it is the best choice.
Documents that support the Electoral College
- The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section 1 (1787): This section created the system in which states appoint electors to vote for president. It is the legal foundation of the Electoral College. It establishes the system, but it does not give a detailed argument that the system is better than a national popular vote.
- Federalist No. 68 by Alexander Hamilton (1788): This essay defends the proposed method for choosing the president. Hamilton argued that electors could make a careful choice and help protect the process from manipulation. It is one of the clearest founding-era arguments in favor of the system.
- The Twelfth Amendment (1804): After problems in the early presidential elections, this amendment changed how electors cast their votes for president and vice president. It shows how the Electoral College was adjusted rather than abolished.
Documents that criticize or oppose the Electoral College
- Anti-Federalist writings, including essays by “Brutus” (1787–1788): Anti-Federalists worried that the proposed national government would be too distant from ordinary people. Their essays did not all focus on the Electoral College, but they questioned whether a small group of officials should have too much influence over national decisions.
- Congressional proposals for direct popular election: Members of Congress have introduced constitutional amendments to elect the president by national popular vote. These proposals argue that each voter’s choice should count equally toward the national result. They have not been adopted.
- National Popular Vote Interstate Compact materials: This modern agreement has participating states promise to award their electoral votes to the national popular-vote winner once enough states join to determine the outcome. Supporters of the compact argue that it would make the presidency go to the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide. It is a reform proposal, not a completed replacement for the Electoral College.
How to use these documents
For a balanced school assignment, compare Federalist No. 68 with an Anti-Federalist essay, then include the Constitution to explain the system’s legal basis. You can also compare a modern direct-election proposal with the current rules. Check whether each source is explaining the system, defending it, or proposing a change.