Bar Exam Practice Questions

How did the framers of the Constitution decide to elect a President?

1. By popular vote

2. Through a direct election

3. By electors

4. By Congressional selection

The correct answer is: By electors

The framers of the Constitution established the method for electing a President through the concept of the Electoral College, which involves electors rather than a direct popular vote. The Constitutional Convention debated various methods of election, including direct popular vote and selection by Congress, but they settled on the idea of electors as a compromise that balanced influences from both the states and the population. Under this system, each state has a number of electors equal to its total number of senators and representatives in Congress. Voters in each state cast their ballots not directly for President but for a slate of electors pledged to vote for their chosen candidate. This approach reflects intentions to avoid potential tyranny of the majority while ensuring that smaller states still have a voice in the election process. This method was seen as a way to promote federalism by allowing states to play a role in the election of the President while also incorporating the ideals of popular participation and representation. Thus, the decision to use electors stands out as a significant compromise that shaped the modern presidential election system in the United States.