What were the Founding Fathers' views on the concept of the electoral college and its influence on US elections?

The Founding Fathers of the United States established the Electoral College as a compromise between those who wanted Congress to choose the president and those who preferred a popular vote. They believed that this system would ensure that the president would be chosen by qualified and informed electors, rather than by the masses, whom they feared could be easily swayed by demagogues or manipulated by foreign powers.

Some Founding Fathers, such as Alexander Hamilton, believed that the Electoral College was essential to prevent the election of unsuitable candidates, while others, such as James Madison, thought that it was a necessary compromise that balanced the interests of large and small states. Despite their differing views, the Founding Fathers saw the Electoral College as a safeguard against a popular vote that could result in an unqualified or dangerous individual assuming the presidency.

Since the establishment of the Electoral College, its influence on US elections has been a topic of debate. Critics argue that it is undemocratic, since it can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote. Supporters of the Electoral College maintain that it ensures that the president is elected by a broad coalition of voters and provides greater representation to smaller states.