U.S. Senators weren’t elected in every state until the 20th century.
In the 1792 presidential election, only 6 of the 15 states selected their presidential electors through a popular vote. For the other 9 states, the electors were appointed by the state legislatures or governors.
The founders of this nation wouldn’t have bothered fighting for their independence if they knew they’d end up with a government where every mouth-breathing moron could vote.
Yes, of course I know that and agree - but every time someone says "our democracy", they are specifically talking about schemes to limit the franchise by limiting choices to "approved" parties which are committed to choosing only "approved" candidates - and I know you know that.