This matter being settled, the next question was:  How shall the electors be chosen?  There being much difference of opinion on the subject, it was thought best to let each state choose its electors in the way which it might prefer.

Naturally the modes of choosing electors varied.  In some states the legislature chose them, but this mode soon became unpopular. [Footnote:  South Carolina, however, retained this mode until very recently.] In some states they were chosen by the people on a general ticket, and in others, by the people by congressional districts.  The last is the fairest way, because it most nearly represents the wishes of the people.  By electing on a general ticket, the party which is in the majority in any state can elect all of the electors.  But, for this very reason, the majority in each state has finally arranged the matter so that this is now the practice in nearly all the states.

The present system of nominations and pledged electors was undreamed of by the framers of the constitution.  They intended that in the selection of the president each elector should be free to vote according to his own best judgment.  But it has come to pass that the electors simply register a verdict already rendered.  Briefly the history of the change is this:  During the administration of Washington (who had been elected unanimously) differences of opinion on questions of policy gave rise to political parties.  To secure the unity of action so essential to success, the leaders of the respective parties, by agreement among themselves, designated, as each election approached, persons whom they recommended for support by electors of their party.  Gradually the recommendation came to be looked upon as binding.  In 1828 the Anti-Masonic party, having no members of congress to act as leaders, held a “people’s convention.”  Its nominees received a surprisingly large vote.  The popularity of this mode of nomination thus appearing, the other parties gradually adopted it, and since 1840 it has remained a recognized part of our political machinery.

Clause 3.—­Election of President and Vice-President.

The electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for two persons, of whom one at least shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves.  And they shall make a list of all the persons voted for, and the number of votes for each; which list they shall sign and certify, and transmit, sealed, to the seat of the government of the United States, directed to the president of the senate.  The president of the senate shall, in the presence of the senate and house of representatives, open all the certificates, and the votes shall then be counted.  The person having the greatest number of votes shall be president, if such number be a majority of the whole number of electors appointed; and if there be more than one who have such a majority, and have an equal number of votes, then the house of representatives