Lead: It is among America’s least popular constitutional creations, yet the nation cannot rid itself of the cranky, musty way of electing its President, the Electoral College.
Intro.: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts.
Content: The founders never really intended it to be the way the Chief Executive was elected. They expected it to be an elaborate nominating committee. In a largely rural Republic where distances prevented all but a very few candidates from attaining true national stature, the College would elevate several. They would then be referred to the House of Representatives which would choose the President and Vice-President. After the unanimity of the two elections of George Washington, however, the election of the President degenerated into a series of closely contended cat fights highlighted by the growth of what the founders said they hated most, factions and political parties.
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