An electoral college is a body of representatives established by the Constitution to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States. Each state allocates electors based on its congressional representation, and these electors cast votes reflecting the popular vote outcome in their states. The electoral college serves to balance the influence of populous and less populous states in presidential elections, ensuring that smaller states still have a voice in the selection process. However, this system is often criticized for not reflecting the direct will of the people.