What was the original purpose of the electorial college?

Answer 1

To decide who would win in an election if election was undecided.
The same purpose it serves today: to balance the political needs of the small states with the overwhelming power of the large states. Everything in American politics is geared to "balance of power". The electoral college is a way to allow SMALL states to continue to have some influence over the election of the President. If we were a "majority rule" society..... minorities (ethnic, regional, etc) would never have a say in politics as they would always be subject to the majority. You have to remember, when the founding fathers were writing the constitution, they were committing high treason. They believed that treason, for the good of the people, must be committed again eventually. Even though it isn't legal for electors to go against their vote, If a convicted terrorist ever runs for president, than the Constitution leaves an opening for the electors to go against their final vote. It was the best option to ensure the states could participate. It wasn't practical to have a full country-wide election; and having electors elected who then chose the President meant regardless of their relative size, each state would have a say in the selection process. The electoral college is part of a representative government, which allows more power to the states, which was a big issue in the beginning era of our country. Was and still is the indirect election of the President, to assure that all regions of the country would be represented vs. just the highest population centers. The government didn't think the people were smart enough to vote for the most suitable candidate. So they decided the popular vote would not be the final say in deciding the presidents. To ensure that tiny states (arbitrary borders, really) have over representation. Same with senate. A citizen from Maine has far more political clout than one from California. It's to empower the States. The EC ensures (theoretically) that several high population states do not have undue sway over the rest of the country. If it was strictly a tally of how many people voted for each candidate, then someone who carries NY, FL, TX and CA (I know, good luck convincing those 4 states to vote the same way) would be the winner. Remember, the whole concept of our country is the United States of America. Much of America was illiterate and easily persuaded.