Explainer: What is the U.S. Electoral College and how does it work?

The video explains the US presidential election process, focusing on the Electoral College. Citizens over 18 can vote in elections, known as the popular vote, but the Electoral College ultimately decides the president. The Electoral College was created to ensure fair representation for smaller states and consists of 538 members. To win the presidency, a candidate needs 270 electoral votes, often achieved by winning the popular vote in each state. However, a candidate can win the national popular vote but lose the electoral vote, as seen in the 2016 election. This discrepancy has occurred five times in US history.

What is the minimum number of electoral votes required to become president in the United States?

Why did the founding fathers create the Electoral College?

Explain the winner-takes-all system in the context of the Electoral College.

What happened in the 2016 presidential election regarding the popular vote and electoral vote?

How many times in American history has the popular vote differed from the electoral vote?