What is the primary purpose of the Electoral College?

The primary purpose of the Electoral College is to formally elect the president of the United States. This mechanism was established in the U.S. Constitution as a compromise between electing the president by a vote in Congress and by popular vote among citizens. Each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and these electors cast votes for the president following the outcome of the popular vote in their respective states. The Electoral College thus plays a crucial role in the official process of electing the president, ensuring that the election is conducted through a structured and established method rather than directly by the electorate.

This process ensures that all states have a voice in the election, balancing the influence of larger population centers with that of less populated areas. While the Electoral College reflects state populations in how electors are distributed, its core function is to serve as the formal mechanism for electing the president, which distinguishes it from other potential interpretations of electoral representation or legislative checks and balances.