The electoral college is a term often heard during U.S. presidential elections. This process is how Americans select their president and vice president. While many older people are still unsure of how it works, young political scientists will have all the answers after reading this valuable volume. They'll learn why the electoral college was established by the Constitution, how it has worked throughout U.S. history, and the controversies surrounding it today. Important social studies vocabulary, photographs of elections in action, colorful maps, and quotes and explanations from historical figures shed light on this need-to-know issue.