How does the electoral college violate political equality?

The correct answer highlights two key aspects of how the electoral college system undermines the principle of political equality.

Small states have disproportionate power because the electoral votes are not allocated strictly based on population. Every state is guaranteed at least three electoral votes, regardless of its population size. This means that smaller states have a relatively larger share of electoral votes per capita compared to larger states. For example, a voter in a state with a small population has more influence in the electoral process than a voter in a populous state. This structural advantage creates an imbalance in how votes are valued across the nation.

Additionally, each voter's vote does not have equal weight due to the same reason outlined above—electoral votes are distributed unevenly. As a result, votes cast in smaller states carry more power in determining the outcome of the election than those cast in larger states. This discrepancy means that not all votes are treated equally, leading to significant inequities in political representation.

By recognizing both points, this answer effectively captures the essential ways in which the electoral college system compromises the concept of political equality in the American democratic process.