How do I write an essay arguing for keeping the Electoral College?

Great question! Writing in defense of the Electoral College can actually become a more compelling essay when you find some less-obvious angles to reinforce your argument. You'll want to go beyond the basics like protecting small states, though you should definitely touch on those key ideas.

Here are several points you can use to build a strong case:

1. Protecting Small States and Balanced Representation:
You’re right that the Electoral College does give smaller states a proportionally larger voice in presidential elections. You can argue that this balances power across very different regions, preventing a handful of populous states or cities from dominating national elections. For example, Wyoming, Vermont, and Alaska might be ignored by presidential hopefuls if we only had a national popular vote.

2. Promoting the Federal Nature of the U.S.:
The Electoral College is rooted in federalism, meaning the states, rather than just the people, are partners in government. This system encourages candidates to seek support across a wider geographic area, instead of just “playing to the coasts” or urban centers, and reinforces states’ importance in our political system.

3. Preventing Regionalism and Fostering National Campaigns:
A purely popular vote could concentrate political attention in heavily populated regions or states, possibly deepening urban-rural or regional divides. The current system forces candidates to appeal to a coalition of states and diverse interests. For instance, winning just California, Texas, New York, and Florida would give a candidate a huge share of the popular vote—but wouldn’t guarantee victory. That pushes candidates to reach out more broadly.

4. Reducing the Impact of Nationwide Recounts and Election Disputes:
With the Electoral College, disputed results are often confined to particular states. Without it, any close result could trigger nationwide recounts and legal challenges, which could be logistically chaotic (Bush v. Gore in 2000 is a famous state-based dispute; you could argue that expanding this to the whole country would be a nightmare).

5. Historical Consistency and Stability:
The U.S. has peacefully transferred power for more than 200 years, almost always using this model. Some argue that sudden, major changes could introduce instability.

Modern Examples:
Besides 2016 and 2000, look at how in 2004, John Kerry would have won the presidency if just 60,000 votes in Ohio had flipped, even though George W. Bush led the popular vote nationally. This shows how 'swing states' matter—making candidates campaign in places they might otherwise ignore.

For sources, you might check out the National Constitution Center’s blog (they present both sides fairly), articles from the Cato Institute or Brookings Institution on Electoral College pros and cons, or Federalist Papers #68 (Hamilton’s argument for the system).

In your essay structure, consider an intro establishing your thesis (why the Electoral College is worth keeping), lay out each of the points above with specific examples, then address common counter-arguments and rebut them (such as, 'but what about the popular vote winner losing?'). End with a strong conclusion about the continued relevance of the system today.

Good luck—you’re definitely on the right track, and infusing your paper with examples and source material will make it stand out!