What was the underlying belief of the Electoral College Compromise?

The underlying belief of the Electoral College Compromise is that too much democracy can lead to mob rule. This perspective was a significant concern for the framers of the Constitution, who were wary of direct democracy and the potential for majoritarian tyranny, where the majority could overpower minority rights. The compromise aimed to establish a system that balanced popular input with a safeguard against potential excesses of direct democracy.

The framers implemented the Electoral College to provide a layer of deliberation in the election of the president, allowing electors to make the final decision rather than putting complete trust in a direct popular vote. This reflected their belief that a more structured electoral process would help prevent the chaotic influence of fleeting popular opinion while still allowing for popular participation in government.