The U.S. Electoral College is a unique system established by the Constitution for electing the President and Vice President. Rather than using a direct popular vote, the Electoral College assigns "electors" to each state, with the number of electors based on the state’s representation in Congress (Senators + Representatives).

Here’s how it works:

1. Voters cast ballots in the general election: When people vote in a presidential election, they are actually voting for a slate of electors chosen by their party.


2. Electors cast their votes: The winning slate of electors in each state meets in December to cast their official votes for President and Vice President.


3. Counting and confirming votes: In early January, Congress counts these votes, and a candidate must receive a majority (at least 270 out of 538) of the electoral votes to win the presidency.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4VGaccsOn4?feature=shared

If no candidate reaches a majority, the House of Representatives selects the President, with each state delegation casting one vote.

Purpose: The Electoral College was designed as a compromise between a popular vote and a vote by Congress, aiming to balance influence across states and protect against direct democracy's potential risks. However, it has sparked debate due to cases where the winner of the Electoral College lost the popular vote.