Electoral Process
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The electoral process is long and complex and has changed significantly over the years. According to the original rules, each state legislature chose its electors. The electors would then meet at a determined time and vote for two people. The person with the most votes became the president and the runner-up became the vice-president. The vice-presidency was created to ensure that the second most qualified person to be the president was in line for the presidency.
Between 1840 and 1900 the electoral system was directed toward the general population. The electoral system was changed so that people became the electors. Today, each state has its own elector selection laws, but the systems generally fall into two categories: the caucus or popular election system. In a caucus, individuals in a community or district meet at a designated place and vote for electors that represent the candidates they want to be president and vice-president. The caucus votes are then compiled statewide...