ABSTRACT
The Electoral College is good to serve adequately many of the functions of presidential elections that political scientists think important for the effective operation of various aspects of our political system. Evaluations of the Electoral College and alternatives to it have typically taken the form of debates, with each side presenting a series of arguments for their favored method and criticisms of alternatives. In short, the design and operation of the Electoral College system are very complex. The Electoral College perpetuates inequality, as the value of a vote is not equal for all citizens. The Electoral College is often criticized for curtailing voter turnout, especially in states where the outcome is preordained. The Electoral College is consistent with the aristocratic republicanism of the founders, but the American public now demands an electoral process that comports with the principles of democratic republicanism. Effective governance occurs when public officials can enact and implement policies that address social and economic problems.
