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What are the benefits to the US Electoral College system? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by Boldizzle@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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So I'm a New Zealander and I have a pretty good idea on how the electoral college system works but it honestly sounds like something that can be easily corrupted and it feels like it renders the popular vote absolutely useless unless I'm totally missing something obvious?

So yeah if someone could explain to me what the benefits of such a system are, that would be awesome.

Edit - Thanks for the replies so far, already learning a lot!

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[–] redimk@lemmy.dbzer0.com 31 points 1 year ago (1 children)

... something called the Three Fifths compromise where slave-holding states could count each slave as 3/5 of a freed man for Electoral purposes.

Jesus... That's beyond awful.

I will say, though, and this is out of topic, you seem like a nice teacher.

English is not my first language and I'm kind of stupid when it comes to politics but you managed to not only make me understand everything but also made me interested, now I'm thinking about reading more of the topic, thanks!

[–] Pattern@lemmy.world 16 points 1 year ago

Thank you for your kind words! I know many people struggle with politics and history, especially in school. It’s never too late to re-engage through books, movies, etc. as your time, interests, and happiness allow :)