Creating the United States

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The manner of electing a national president sparked one of the most contentious debates at the federal Constitutional Convention.  The convention rejected direct election of the president by “the people,” in favor of a system of electors equal to the number of senators and representatives and to be chosen by the states. Designed to insulate the electors from undue influence, the system required that they cast independent votes for president and vice president.

(Transcription)

“The person having the greatest number of votes shall be the President . . .”


The manner of electing a national president sparked one of the most contentious debates at the federal Constitutional Convention.  The convention rejected direct election of the president by “the people,” in favor of a system of electors equal to the number of senators and representatives and to be chosen by the states. Designed to insulate the electors from undue influence, the system required that they cast independent votes for president and vice president.