What is the function of the Electoral College?

The purpose of the Electoral College is to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Established by the Constitution, the Electoral College consists of electors from each state who are selected based on the outcome of the general election. When citizens cast their votes for president, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to the candidate of their choice. These electors then convene and cast their votes for the president and vice president, solidifying the election results in a structured manner.

This system reflects a compromise between direct popular vote and election by Congress, balancing the influence of populous states with that of less populous ones. It emphasizes the federal character of the nation, as each state plays a role in the selection process of the nation's highest offices.