What is the role of the Electoral College in presidential elections?

The Electoral College serves the critical role of electing the President through a system of electors. This process involves each state appointing a number of electors, which is equal to the total number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. When citizens cast their votes for President, they are actually voting for a slate of electors pledged to vote for their chosen candidate. These electors then formally cast their votes to elect the President and Vice President. This system was established in the U.S. Constitution and is intended to balance the influence of populous states with less populated ones in the presidential selection process, ensuring that all states have a voice in the outcome.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of the Electoral College. It does not directly elect the President, serve as a tiebreaker in congressional votes, or conduct national referendums. Instead, it is specifically designed to facilitate the election of the President in a manner that represents both the electorate and the states.