How does the Electoral College function in U.S. presidential elections?

The Electoral College plays a crucial role in U.S. presidential elections by consisting of electors from each state who formally elect the president and vice president. Each state has a designated number of electors based on its representation in Congress, which is determined by the total number of senators and representatives it has. When citizens cast their votes for president, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to support that candidate. This process ensures that each state has a voice in the election outcomes relative to its population size, providing a balance between populous and less populous states.

The electors then meet in their respective state capitals and cast their votes for president in December following the election. The results are officially counted in a joint session of Congress in January. Thus, the arrangement of the Electoral College highlights the federal nature of the United States, reinforcing the significant role that individual states play in the overall election process.