In U.S. elections, what is the role of the Electoral College?

• A. It directly elects the president by popular vote.
• B. It formally casts votes for president and vice president on behalf of the states.
• C. It is responsible for drafting laws.
• D. It manages voter registration.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that the Electoral College is the formal body that elects the president and vice president, acting on behalf of the states after voters cast their ballots. Voters actually choose electors pledged to a candidate, and those electors meet later to cast official votes for president and vice president. The total number of electoral votes decides the winner, with 270 needed for victory. This mechanism finalizes the outcome, rather than the popular vote alone directly choosing the president. The other functions mentioned—drafting laws or managing voter registration—are not roles of the Electoral College; those tasks belong to Congress and state election offices.