"Pick up a newspaper and read about the Electoral College. It is a sure recipe for losing respect for the institution. Media commentators are swift to dismiss the institution as outdated and elitist, an anachronism that should be replaced by a direct popular vote. In recent years, this discontent has found a voice as a well-funded, California-based effort seeks to bypass the constitutional amendment process and effectively eliminate the Electoral College through a series of state laws. Such efforts to eliminate the Electoral College are misguided, and this book shows why. Written in straightforward language, Enlightened Democracy traces the history of the Electoral College from the Constitutional Convention to the present. This second edition of the book is revised and expanded to include a new section about the National Popular Vote legislative effort. The Electoral College protects our republic and promotes our liberty. Americans should defend their unique presidential election system at all costs."--Back cover.;Part one: The origins of the Electoral College. An American balancing act ; The Great Compromise ; The Constitution's election process -- Part two: An 18th-century solution for the 21st century. A rapidly changing society ; The benefits of federalism ; Moderation and compromise ; Stability and certainty in elections -- Part Three: Refuting remaining criticisms. The faithless elector problem ; The contingent election ; Concerns about legitimacy ; Alternative proposals -- Part Four: The National Popular Vote Plan. NPV's attack on the Electoral College ; Logistical problems with NPV ; Legal Problems with NPV -- Part Five: The Electoral College in action. Successful results over the years ; Harrison & Bush: narrow victories ; Roosevelt & Reagan: landslide victories -- Appendix: Selected constitutional provisions ; Election results, 1789-2008.