I’m writing in answer to Douglas Rooks’ Dec. 8 column, “Once Again, Democracy Must Make a Change.”

Rooks referred to our country as a democracy, but the Founding Fathers set up a republic — “a government in which supreme power is held by the citizens entitled to vote, and is exercised by elected officers and representatives governing according to law.” (Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary)

We are to be governed by law, and we may choose our representatives, who should then do the will of the people. If we are ruled by the popular vote — by the majority — many kinds of problems can arise. The founders foresaw the problems and set up the Constitution as they did in order to avoid those problems. Their inspired plans and wise laws have worked and served us well for more than 200 years.

The Electoral College is in place for good reasons.

If we are ruled by majority vote, the larger population centers will be the major decision-makers on issues and who we choose for president, leaving the Midwest and other lesser populated areas pretty much powerless to have any effect on our choices. And that is only one of the difficulties we would face.

My plea is that we realize what a great Constitution we already have and protect it, and continue to respect the processes that have served us well these 200-plus years. Even with the escalation of technology, science, information and communication, we human beings continue to have the same basic needs — and foibles — over the generations, no matter our colors, or ethnic origins. Basic truths remain and don’t change. If we don’t like the results of the recent election, then we can prepare for the next one, and make sure to have qualified and respected candidates from which to choose.

Meanwhile, let’s work together to keep our Constitution strong, and increase the peace and good will in our unique and beautiful country.

The Electoral College needs to stay in place for the future welfare of our nation.

Kelly Paquet

Oakland