What was the underlying belief of the Electoral College Compromise?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam. Explore flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Get ready for your APUSH exam!

The belief that "too much democracy leads to mob control" reflects the concern among the framers of the Constitution regarding the potential for a direct democracy to devolve into chaos or tyranny of the majority. This apprehension stemmed from their understanding of history and politics, particularly the instances where public opinion could swiftly sway toward populism that might endanger stability and minority rights.

The Electoral College was established as a compromise to balance popular sovereignty with a system of checks to ensure that the election of the president would not solely depend on a direct majority vote, which could be heavily influenced by fleeting passions of the populace. Instead, the framers wanted a method ensuring that educated and capable representatives would play a key role in the selection process, mitigating the risks associated with direct democracy. Thus, this carefully crafted system reflects the viewpoint that while the voice of the people is important, there needs to be a safeguard against potential excesses of that voice.

The other options do not encapsulate the complexity of the framers' intentions. While democracy's flaws were recognized, framing it solely as "inherently flawed" or prioritizing civil rights in representation does not directly link to the rationale behind the Electoral College. Furthermore, the idea that "the will of the people

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