The writers of the Constitution devised the Electoral College as the method of choosing presidents because

Question

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The writers of the Constitution were concerned about the potential for popular majorities and Congress to abuse executive power, and they believed that the Electoral College would provide a safeguard against such abuses. The method was designed to shield the president from direct popular influence and to ensure that the president would be chosen by a select group of electors who were presumably wise and independent enough to make a sound decision. Direct election was not seen as practical at that time, but the Electoral College was intended to balance popular influence with the need for a strong and independent executive. The method does not necessarily guarantee a majority winner, nor does it give weight to the preferences of ordinary people in a direct sense.

The Writers of the Constitution Devised the Electoral College as the Method