Alexander Hamilton in Federalist No. 68
laid out what he believed were the key advantages to the Electoral
College. The electors come directly from the people and them alone for
that purpose only, and for that time only. This avoided a party-run
legislature, or a permanent body that could be influenced by foreign
interests before each election.[23]
Hamilton explained the election was to take place among all the states,
so no corruption in any state could taint "the great body of the
people" in their selection. The choice was to be made by a majority of
the Electoral College, as majority rule is critical to the principles of
republican government. Hamilton argued, electors meeting in the state
capitals were able to have information unavailable to the general
public. Hamilton also argued that since no federal officeholder could be
an elector none of the electors would be beholden to any presidential
candidate.[23]
Another consideration was the decision would be made without "tumult
and disorder", as it would be a broad-based one made simultaneously in
various locales where the decision-makers could deliberate reasonably,
not in one place, where decision-makers could be threatened or
intimidated. If the Electoral College did not achieve a decisive
majority, then the House of Representatives was to choose the president
from among the top five candidates,[24]
ensuring selection of a presiding officer administering the laws would
have both ability and good character. Hamilton was also concerned about
somebody unqualified, but with a talent for "low intrigue, and the
little arts of popularity", attaining high office.[23]
Abortions
I need to say upfront that I think all abortions at any stage of pregnancy are grievous and that Late-term Abortions are horrendous. However, I also believe that I have no right whatsoever to intrude, in any way, into a woman's decision to have an abortion; neither does the government, federal or state; the ultimate decision is hers--it is her body. The main reason for my believing this way can be found in our Constitution where the right to privacy is paramount and inarguable. How anyone can argue that they or our government can dictate how a woman, or any individual for that matter, must care for/take care of her body is beyond me. Of course, that doesn't keep the multitudes from caterwauling pro and con the issue of abortions. What gives me the right to be judgemental? Being pro-choice carries no mandate, pro-choice just accords to the pregnant woman what is rightfully hers---the right to privacy.
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