<P> Countries with complex regional electorates may elect a head of state by means of an electoral college rather than a direct popular election . </P> <P> In the sovereign Holy See, with the Vatican City as sovereign territory, the College of Cardinals elects the pope in a papal conclave . </P> <P> The United States Electoral College is an example of a system in which an executive president is indirectly elected, with electors representing the 50 states and the federal district . Each state has a number of electors equal to its Congressional representation (in both houses), with the non-state District of Columbia receiving the number it would have if it were a state, but in no case more than that of the least populous state . The electors generally cast their votes for the winner of the popular vote in their respective states . However, there are several states where this is not required by law . In the United States, 270 electoral votes are currently required to win the presidential election . </P> <P> Similar systems are used in other presidential elections around the world . In Germany, the members of the federal parliament together with an equal number of people elected from the state parliaments constitute the Federal Convention, that exists for the only purpose of electing the (non-executive) head of state . Similarly, in India the members of the both houses of parliament together with weighted votes from the members of the state legislative assemblies constitute an electoral college that elects the head of state . In Italy, the (non-executive) head of state is elected by the members of both houses of Parliament in joint session, together with delegates elected by the Regional Councils to ensure the representation of minorities . </P>

What type of system is the electoral college