Who created the concept of the electoral college?

Study for the Taft Law School Bar Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The concept of the electoral college was established by the framers of the Constitution during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. The framers sought to create a compromise between electing the President by a vote in Congress and by popular vote among citizens. They believed that the electoral college would balance the influence of populous states with less populous ones, while also mitigating the risk of direct democracy, which they feared could lead to the election of demagogues.

By design, the electoral college allows citizens to vote for electors who then directly participate in selecting the President. This structure reflects the framers' intent to protect the interests of both large and small states and to involve states in the electoral process.

The other options do not accurately represent the origin of the electoral college concept. Modern legislators and state governors might influence how the electoral college operates today, but they did not create the framework. The Supreme Court interprets laws and the Constitution but does not create constitutional concepts like the electoral college itself. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the foundational role of the framers in establishing this unique aspect of the American electoral system.

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