The U.S. president is indirectly elected by the citizenry through an almost anonymous “college of electors” devised in 1787 by the framers of the Constitution. Below you'll find information on the origins of the Electoral College and how they choose the nation's president.

Timeline of the Electoral College - Learn what happens between Election Day and the swearing in of the nation's 44th president.

Frequently Asked Questions - What is an elector? Who chooses the electors? Where did the system come from?

An Overview of the Electoral College The Electoral College was controversial when it was developed, and it remains so today. Find out why, and how it has endured for more than 200 years despite its imperfections.