Throughline The Electoral College (Throwback)
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Nov 7, 2024 
Akhil Reed Amar, a Yale Law professor and author, and Carol Anderson, an expert in African American Studies at Emory, explore the Electoral College's origins and significance. They dive into its historical roots, revealing how compromises over slavery influenced its creation. The discussion highlights the Electoral College's role in balancing state power and the ongoing debates surrounding its impact on democracy. Listeners gain insights into the complexities of electoral representation and the challenges of reforming a deeply entrenched system.
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Unique Challenge of Creating the Presidency
- The framers of the Constitution faced the challenge of creating a presidency unlike any in history.
- They sought to balance popular sovereignty with safeguards against potential abuses of power.
Framers' Concerns about Direct Elections
- The framers considered various methods for electing the president, including direct popular vote.
- Concerns about public awareness of candidates and potential manipulation led to alternative approaches.
Slavery's Impact on the Electoral College
- Slavery significantly influenced the creation of the Electoral College.
- Southern states sought to protect their interests by ensuring enslaved people were counted in population totals.