This study examines how the Electoral College actually works, how it is supposed to work, and how it might be reformed. Robert Hardaway first looks at the Constitutional Convention, the Twelfth Amendment, and historical elections where the Electoral College has come into play, providing the historical background to the present-day College. Next he examines the electors themselves--how they are chosen in the states and the laws relating to the obligations of electors in casting their votes. The election of the president and vice president by the House of Representatives is also examined. Finally, Hardaway discusses and analyzes the proposed reforms to the Electoral College, including those before the Congress at present. Professor Hardaway's book makes a strong case for the preservation of the federalist principles incorporated into the constitutional framers' plan for election of the president of the United States. The book richly documents its case with examples from past elections, while at the same time providing the reader with all information needed to make an independent judgment.

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: The Solar System of Government PowerThe Electoral College: How It Really WorksOrigins: The Constitutional Convention and the Twelfth AmendmentEvolution: Refining the Electoral ProcessElections: Electoral Effects and ApplicationsReform: Proposals and AlternativesConclusion: The Case for Preserving FederalismBibliographyIndex