since we have some VERY small states, and some large ones, and the individual states 'mostly' govern themselves, it was decided to use the electoral college system so that the small states votes tended to have 'some' influence (much like giving each state 2 Senators and a variable # of representatives in Congress).In a country where there IS no major governing body below national level, such as Great Britain, a national popular vote makes sense. We 'usually' have the popular vote winner get elected...but......

I don't like some aspects of the electoral system much, but it is not easy to design things so N. Dakota and Nevada don't get totally ignored.