It is mostly used in the political context for a constitutional body that appoints the head of state or government, and sometimes the upper parliamentary chamber, in a democracy.
If a constituent body that is not only summoned for this particular task, like a parliament, elects or appoints certain officials, it is not referred to as "electoral college" (see e.g. parliamentary system).
[3]:215 The electoral college is argued to be fundamental to American federalism, based on the notion that it requires candidates for president to appeal to voters in all states, or a substantial portion of states, rather than only those with large population which might hold greater power in elections based on simple majority.
The Pope, head of the Catholic Church, the Holy See and the Vatican State, is elected by the Papal conclave consisting of all Cardinals.
There were a few exceptions, due to political instability in the 20th century, in which non-lasting reforms removed or suspended the electoral college.
The constitution was then amended by a wide consensus for the last time in 1994 and the electoral college was finally replaced with a modified two-round direct elections by popular vote system in use since 1995.
The electoral college was replaced with a two-round system direct election in 1989, after the end of the military dictatorship and the establishment of a new constitution in 1988 leading to the restoration of democracy.
The constitution was amended in 1925 and the electoral college was replaced with direct elections by popular vote since 1925.
[10] The electoral college was replaced after the 1962 referendum, with direct elections by popular vote, using a two-round system since 1965.
The National Assembly had the similar function of electoral college except it had the power to amend the Constitution.