Yes at the founding of our country there was fear the larger states would oppress the smaller
states. That's the main reason we have a "Senate" Every state is limited to two. The creation
the electorial college was more complicated than I claimed at first.
During the time of the founding of our country there was much worry about a federal government
stepping on states rights. So the Electorial college was basicly a compromise between a popular
vote and states being able to send electors according to the number of congress and senators
they send to the federal government..
In the beginngin the federal congress was considered to be the elective body for president, but
fears of politics changed this. Though congress still has the say in an electoral tie.
Oregon has 7 electors, but the larger states have many more. So a canidate is less likely to
come to a small state with few electors than one with many. Where as with a popular vote
they would have a better reason to visit a small state in a close electioin.
In other words they would be more likely to listen to a small states fears to get their vote.
Admittedly there are reasons pro and con, but I feel a popular vote is better. We no longer
pase reprentaion on population that excludes the black man or women as voters.
This wiki site is good reference on the subject.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_%28United_States%29#Original_plan