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A National Archives Foundation educational resource using primary sources from the National Archives

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Issues with the Electoral College System

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Making Connections

In drafting the U.S. Constitution the Framers were concerned about the best way to elect the President. One group advocated for the direct election of the President as that was most democratic. Another group, concerned about the literacy levels of the masses, suggested that Congress elect the President—similar to the Parliamentary system of Great Britain.

As a compromise, the Framers developed a unique system, the Electoral College. The people would vote for the President within each state and a set of selected electors would then vote for the President.

Trace the history of the Electoral College through primary source documents and identify four issues with the system that could be considered flaws.

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To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Issues with the Electoral College System”