02-06-2018, 10:20 AM
(02-06-2018, 09:50 AM)BmorePat87 Wrote: This modern misconception makes sense if you believe that the way the electoral college works today was how it worked in 1788.
The worry about Virginia (the biggest state) dominating the vote wasn't really the major concern. They prevented electors (before the 12th Amendment) from casting two votes for someone in their home state. The use of electors tied to representation was to appease slave states that benefitted from this system thanks to the 3/5th's compromise.
Also, in the original system you voted for electors not candidates. The original system had electors assigned at the state's choosing. Some states tied them to districts, some tied them to the winner of the state's popular vote, and some assigned some to be chosen by the legislature. These electors mostly stated their support of a candidate, but were free to choose whoever they wanted. There was no concern for the will of the people. Electors existed to ensure that only a qualified individual was elected.
They kind of shit the bed on that one, huh?
"A great democracy has got to be progressive, or it will soon cease to be either great or a democracy..." - TR
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." - FDR
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." - FDR
