To answer Kevin jay Price's query on why the US does not have a 1 person: 1 vote system.

The electoral college brings balance and fair representation to those living in states that may be less populous, but may have a different impact on the country and thus different political needs. It insures interests in all American lifestyles are accounted for. A candidate may choose to only campaign in the most populous states and cities to score large amounts of individual votes, (New York) where the political needs of those consituents may be different than those in less populous areas. This politica strategy may lead to the downfall of a candidate who has negelected the lesser populous areas, (Kansas), but which play a large part in the US economy (Agricultural). Al Gore's campaign strategy was very similar in this regard. While he received the majority of votes in most of the Biggest states, he failed to win the smaller population states.

Mike, Cincinnati, Ohio

The other answer to Kevin is that America is a democratic republic, not a democracy. Indeed, the Constitution guarantees American citizens that its states shall have republican forms of government, not democracies. Historically, the individual States were what mattered, not the Federal Government. The Federal Government didn't become the 200-ton behemoth that it is today until FDR trampled over the Constitution with the New Deal and the rise of the Administrative state. The Electoral College assures that the person who ultimately ends up President appeals to states throughout the country, and doesn't simply focus on the the major metropolitan areas.

States are free to divide their electoral votes how they see fit. All but 2 choose to do a winner-take-all system. Nebraska and Maine divide theirs up by Congressional District, with the two votes representing the senators going to the statewide winner.

Ben, Omaha, NE, USA

To answer Kevin jay's question: Each State has the same number of Electorial College votes as they have Representatives & Senators in Congress. There are two Senators for each State & the number of Representatives are distributed based on population. IE: California, Texas & New York have more electorial votes than Wyoming or Idaho because they are more populated.
It is intended to protect those States who have almost no voice from being overpowered by the masses . In other words, a candiate could focus only on helping those in metropolitan areas, where they could get the most votes, but it would be at the expense of all those who live in rural areas.
40% of our population lives in just six states. An electorial college makes the canditate campaign for votes everywhere.

kurt d, charlotte, north carolina

The constitutional qualifications mentioned at the beginning is sadly incomplete as it fails to mention that a President must be a 'natural born citizen'.

For example California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would be the hands down Republican choice in 2008 except that he was born in Austria, and therefore ineligible to hold the office of President.

Lucky for the Democrats, as Arnold would easily beat them all. And no other Republican is likely to do so.

William King, Reno, Nevada, USA

For the amateur spectator of american politics, this still doesn't explain what a primary is.

Perhaps a glossary would help.

Bruce Conway, Brentwood Bay, CA

Why can't you simply have a "one person, one vote" system where each individual vote counts.
The nation goes to the polls on a given day and you count the votes for each candidate...The best man or woman wins. voilà!

Kevin jay price, Alès, France

You should also note that it's totally unheard of for electors not to vote as they pledged. Suggesting otherwise would be rather like including the royal veto in the English legislative process.

John, Mississippi,

As an American Government teacher, please let your readers know that in order to be president you must be a native born citizen. A naturalized citizen (think Arnold) may not run for that office.

Deborah Mellon, Huntington, USA/New York