dccmdBasic proper terminology: The word “College” does not appear in the Constitution and should not be used in discussing the constitutional presidential election process; it implies a more unified process than the Framers intended. We should use the term “presidential electors” instead whenever we discuss any matter concerning that process.
Constitutional provision: The Constitution gives each state legislature the absolute prerogative to determine how the presidential electors allotted to that state are to be chosen; no constitutional limitations are placed on the legislatures. Therefore, it is constitutionally in order (not necessarily wise) for a legislature to designate a “bound electors” process and provide a legal penalty for “faithless electors”; this is is a significant limitation on presidential elector freedom to choose.
Daniel Clyde Cummings
Constitution Party presidential candidate (not final nominee)
dccmd@hotmail.com