How are electoral votes allocated to states?

The allocation of electoral votes to states is determined by the number of members each state has in Congress, which includes both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each state is granted two electoral votes for its two Senators, along with a number of votes based on its population as represented in the House of Representatives. This ensures that every state has a minimum of three electoral votes, regardless of its population size. This method of allocation is designed to balance representation between states with larger populations and those with smaller populations, reflecting a compromise intent on ensuring both equal representation in the Senate and proportional representation based on population in the House.

The other options do not accurately describe the process. Random assignment of electoral votes does not occur, nor do states receive the same number of votes irrespective of population. Additionally, electoral votes are not distributed based on the outcomes of referendums, which are separate from the electoral mechanism used to elect the President. Thus, the chosen answer reflects the constitutional framework and congressional representation principles that govern the electoral system in the United States.