Electoral College: Brief History

Thomas Mann of the Brookings Institute talks about the history and reasons for the electoral college. He presents the idea that the founders were afraid of a populist leader, which is interesting and also shows how the founders did not want power to be concentrated with one person. He also says that the South was afraid of the popular vote because the African Americans would count in the electoral votes. Also he discusses of how the process of the electors takes place. I thought it was interesting that their votes are mailed to the Senate and that the Vice President counts the vote and has to announce the winner.