The United States employs a system where citizens do not directly elect the president and vice president. Instead, they vote for a slate of electors who then cast the actual votes. The number of electors each state receives is equal to the total number of its senators (always two) and representatives in the House, which is based on population. This allocation ensures that smaller states have proportionally more influence than they would in a purely population-based direct election. For example, a state with a small population, such as Wyoming, still has a minimum of three electoral votes (two senators plus one representative).
This systems historical context lies in a compromise between a popular vote election and a congressional election of the president. Its proponents argued that it protected against the potential dangers of direct democracy and provided a check on the power of large population centers. The systems impact extends to campaign strategy, as candidates often focus on winning key swing states where the outcome is uncertain, rather than attempting to win the national popular vote. The result of the election is determined by which candidate secures a majority (currently 270) of the electoral votes.
