What is the total number of electoral votes in the Electoral College?

The total number of electoral votes in the Electoral College is 538. This number is derived from the combination of the 435 representatives in the House, the 100 senators in the Senate, and an additional 3 votes allotted to the District of Columbia, as established by the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution. The Electoral College is designed to reflect the federal structure of the United States, ensuring that both populous states and less populous states have a proportional voice in presidential elections. Each state's electoral votes are determined based on its congressional representation, reinforcing the principle of federalism where both state and national interests are represented. The total of 538 votes ensures that a majority of 270 electoral votes is required to win the presidency, reflecting a system that balances various interests across the nation.