The complexity was intentional, for, as far as I am qualified to judge, the Founding Fathers clearly distinguished between Republic and Democracy; hence they sought the system that would significantly impede the transformation of democracy into clan-splintered oligarchy and the Empire. To make long story short, the system eventually failed. For example, the Electoral College of "voluntary party lackeys" has yet to fulfill its mission to correct "mischiefs of faction" just for once. As early as in 1826, one U.S. Senate report harshly critiqued the College, that, according to authors, "should be left to make the election according to their own will, without the slightest control from the body of the people," but had already by then repeatedly failed to do so.

Maybe Dems plan to make this year the year of traitorous elector...