The term "electoral college" refers to the body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States. Composed of electors from each state, the electoral college reflects the distribution of congressional representation, thereby balancing popular and state interests. Voters cast their ballots for a slate of electors pledged to their chosen candidate, who then, in turn, votes to elect the president. This system can lead to scenarios where a candidate wins the presidency without securing the popular vote, prompting ongoing debates about its fairness and relevance in contemporary democracy.