The American Electoral College: Why It's Here and Why It's Here to Stay

The United States is often criticized for not allowing the President to win the popular vote. Critics often question the fairness of the Electoral College system, suggesting that it does not reflect the true will of the people. However, the American Constitution specifically mandates the use of the Electoral College, making any change a daunting task. This system has been a cornerstone of American democracy since its inception, serving a unique role in balancing power and protecting individual rights.

The Need for a Constitutional Amendment

The reason the Electoral College is here is a straightforward constitutional mandate. To change it, a constitutional amendment is required, which is an extremely complex process involving the approval of 38 out of 50 state legislatures. According to the US Constitution, a constitutional amendment must be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of state legislatures. Once proposed, it must be ratified by three-quarters of the states.

Given that only 15 states would gain more power if the electoral system were changed, and 23 states would lose power, it is highly unlikely that such a historic change will be achieved any time soon. The inertia of long-established systems and the vested interests of those with power under the current system make this shift very improbable.

The Historical Context and Purpose of the Electoral College

The United States Constitution was designed to ensure a balance between majority rule and protection against the tyranny of a majority. The Electoral College is an integral part of this system, reflecting the bicameral Congress structure where each state has two Senators and a number of Representatives based on its population.

The Founding Fathers were wary of direct democracy, especially in an era dominated by the French Revolution, the Jacobin Reign of Terror, and the Bolshevik Revolution. They recognized that while the will of the people can sometimes lead to positive outcomes, it can also result in disastrous consequences when left unchecked. This is evident in the restructuring of the German government in 1934, which transferred power to a single authoritarian figure.

The Electoral College was designed to give each state an equal voice, ensuring that smaller and less populous states would not be overshadowed by larger, more populous ones. This balance of power is crucial for maintaining the autonomy and sovereignty of individual states within a federal system.

The Debate Over Maintaining the Electoral College

The question of whether the Electoral College should remain unchanged is a subject of ongoing debate. While some argue that the system no longer serves its intended purpose in the modern context, others believe that the Founding Fathers' concerns about the tyranny of the majority still hold relevance today.

Supporters of the Electoral College argue that it helps to preserve the balance of power within the federal system, provides a buffer against the whims of popular opinion, and protects the rights and interests of smaller states. The Founding Fathers' distrust of direct democracy is not unfounded, as seen in the aftermath of the French Revolution, where the Reign of Terror highlighted the dangers of unchecked popular will.

Furthermore, the Electoral College promotes a more stable and deliberate political process. The Founders designed the system to slow down and moderate the immediate passions of the populace, a lesson that was tragically illustrated by the French Revolution.

Some also argue that the Electoral College can be reformed or adapted over time through the constitutional process rather than discarded outright. This debate allows for ongoing discussion and potential changes as the system evolves with the times.

Conclusion

While the American Electoral College may not always produce the outcome that every voter desires, it remains a vital part of the American democratic system. The Founding Fathers deliberately created this system to balance power and protect individual rights, and while its relevance may be debated, it is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Any changes will require a deeply entrenched and complex constitutional amendment process, ensuring that any modifications are carefully considered and debated.

The system may produce outcomes that some people do not like, but its value lies in its stability and the protection it provides for individual states and their unique identities within the union.