I would like to answer the question, “Is the U.S. a democracy? Or is the system rigged?” posed by Randall Hansis in the Recorder on Nov. 26 regarding the unfairness of the Electoral College.
The United States is a republic, not a democracy. See Article 4, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution. We pledge allegiance to the Republic, not to a democracy. As a Republic, there is a written constitution of basic rights that protect the minority from being completely overridden by the majority. A majority popular vote for president would favor large populous states like California and largely ignore the interests of less populated states. The power of a few states could swing a popular vote to a candidate without nationwide support. The Electoral College was a compromise between how much power the people should have and how much power small and large states should have. The Electoral College ensures that the president has broad geographical support and minimizes possible voter fraud since you are voting in a state by state election. The advantages of the Electoral College far outweigh its disadvantages. We should thank our Founding Fathers for developing a system that considers the concerns and interests of all states in electing our president.
Presidential campaigns focus on winning states, not winning a national majority. Hillary Clinton did not win because she was not popular in enough states.
Arthur D. Parker
Greenfield