In fact, their fear was not so much stupidity of the American voter as of the wiles of overly ambitious politicians who might demagogue large segments of the population. Pretenders who might promise them bread and circuses in exchange for their votes might also subvert the rational and considered opinion of the country at large. The Constitution is designed to stand as bedrock in times of great change and turmoil. It reflects a rational and considered opinion of the American people. If the rule of law prevails in our hearts and minds, we will respect it as the representation of our solemn will.
Opinions change and fluctuate for all kinds of reasons and with great speed.
But our respect fundamental opinion, the Constitution, should stand and guide us through these tempests. The Founders knew that a nation is composed of more than individual citizens. We are not now and never were intended to be a simple democracy. Such systems may work when there is a small homogeneous community in question but even in the time of the Founders our country was thought to be too diverse for such a simplistic plan. If he owes his election only to a popular vote energized and fueled by one set of interests, citizens not part of that segment cannot feel secure that their interests or rights will be protected.