ht 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 o