It is a myth—but one often repeated—that the Framers “really wanted” the president to be chosen by the people at large; supposedly they rejected this method only because the people in one State would not know enough about candidates from other States. But the records from the Philadelphia Convention clearly illustrate that the Founders intended the Electoral College to be a buffer against the potential abuses of democracy. Several members of the Philadelphia Convention warned against a popularly elected “king” as being dangerous to the liberty of the people. They did not want a demagogue, a despot, or a tyrant, and thought it was better to have an appointed executive than one who would flatter the people for votes.
The popular vote was not tallied until 1824, the first year a member of the founding generation was not among the list of candidates for president. That clearly shows what little regard the founding generation had for the people at large in the election process. George Mason wondered aloud during the Philadelphia Convention if a presidential election should be “performed by those who know least. . . .”Perhaps this question should still be considered.
Brion McClanahan
www.archives.gov
in book.
