Electoral College
Definition
The system by which Americans indirectly elect the President and Vice President through electors chosen by each state.
Explanation
The Electoral College is established by the United States Constitution as the mechanism for electing the President and Vice President. Each state receives a number of electors equal to its total representation in Congress: the number of senators plus the number of representatives. Citizens vote in their state, and in most states, all of that state's electoral votes go to the candidate who wins the popular vote in that state. A candidate needs 270 of the 538 total electoral votes to win the presidency. This system gives smaller states proportionally more influence than a direct popular vote would provide.
Why this matters for your test
The Electoral College is a key component of the U.S. political system and federal structure. The USCIS civics test includes questions about how presidents are elected and the Electoral College's role in that process.
Source: USCIS 128 Civics Questions (2025)