Short Answer 
The Electoral College is a system used to elect the U.S. president based on electoral votes allocated by state populations, rather than solely by the popular vote. Most states utilize a winner-take-all approach, resulting in instances where candidates can win the presidency without securing the majority of popular votes, as seen in historical cases like those of John Quincy Adams and George W. Bush.
Step 1: Understand the Electoral College System
The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States to elect the president. Instead of the president being chosen solely by the total number of votes (popular vote), the decision is based on electoral votes that each state holds. Each state is allocated a number of electoral votes according to its population, and these votes are what ultimately determine the winner of the presidential election.
Step 2: Explore the Winner-Take-All Approach
In most states, the candidate who receives the majority of the popular vote gets all of that state’s electoral votes, a system known as winner-take-all. This can lead to a situation where a candidate wins the presidency by securing enough electoral votes while having fewer popular votes overall. The concentration of votes in specific regions can amplify this effect, creating potential disparities between the popular vote and electoral outcomes.
Step 3: Review Historical Examples
Several notable elections in U.S. history demonstrate this phenomenon where candidates won the presidency despite receiving fewer popular votes. For instance, candidates such as John Quincy Adams (1824), Rutherford B. Hayes (1876), Benjamin Harrison (1888), and George W. Bush (2000) were each elected in this manner. These cases highlight the Electoral College’s role in shaping the outcomes of elections, often leading to discussion and debate about its fairness and effectiveness.