Could Mitt Romney win the popular vote on Tuesday while President Obama captures a majority of the 538 electoral votes and a return trip to the White House? Recent polling results have raised just that possibility, reminding Americans once again that they cast ballots, but they don’t elect presidents directly. That job falls to the electoral college, a system that requires candidates to win states, not just votes. Let’s take a look at the main justifications for maintaining the electoral college and see how they stand up to scrutiny.

1. The framers created the electoral college to protect small states.

2. The electoral college ensures that the winner has broad support.

3. The electoral college preserves stability in our political system by discouraging third parties.

4. In direct elections, candidates would campaign only in large cities.

5. Electors must vote for the candidate who wins their state.

Read the detailed discussion of each of the five.