Public Square | The Electoral College: Why does it exist?

Public Square | The Electoral College: Why does it exist?

From Sandra Day O'Connor Institute by Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy

November 10, 2025 · 46 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the origins, criticisms, and potential reforms of the Electoral College in the U.S.

Perhaps no extant product of the U.S. Constitution has received more bipartisan animus than the Electoral College. Since 1800 there have been more than 700 proposals introduced in Congress to amend or eliminate the way in which America chooses its presidents. Yet the Electoral College lives on. Why do we have this system? Why does it inspire such cross-party antipathy? Can it be changed -- should it be changed? -- and if so how? The Sandra Day O'Connor Institute welcomed participants from 36 ...

People in this episode

Host: Sandra Day O'Connor Institute

Topics covered

  • Electoral College
  • U.S. Constitution
  • bipartisan animus
  • presidential elections
  • political reform

Keywords

  • Electoral College
  • U.S. Constitution
  • presidential elections
  • political reform
  • bipartisan animus

Mentioned in this episode

Places: United States

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