1. State-Based Voting: Each state is allocated a certain number of electoral votes, which is determined by the total number of its Senators and Representatives in Congress. The District of Columbia also receives electoral votes.

2. Winner-Takes-All: Most states follow a "winner-takes-all" approach, where the candidate who wins the popular vote in a state receives all of that state's electoral votes.

3. 270 Electoral Votes: To win the presidency, a candidate needs to secure at least 270 out of the 538 total electoral votes. If no candidate reaches this threshold, the election is decided by the House of Representatives.

4. Electors: Electors are individuals chosen by political parties within each state, and they cast their votes for the candidate who won the popular vote in their state.

Alternative Election Systems:

Several alternative election systems are used or proposed in different countries, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. Proportional Representation: In this system, political parties are allocated a number of seats in the legislative body proportionate to their share of the popular vote. This system allows for a more accurate reflection of voter preferences and can lead to multi-party systems.

2. First-Past-the-Post: This is a simple plurality system where the candidate with the most votes in a single-member district wins the election. It's used in countries like the UK and Canada. Critics argue that it can lead to "wasted votes" for minority parties.

3. Mixed-Member Proportional (MMP): This system combines elements of proportional representation and first-past-the-post. Voters cast two ballots, one for a candidate in a single-member district and one for a party list. Seats are allocated proportionally based on party vote, and additional seats are given to ensure proportional representation.

4. Ranked-Choice Voting (RCV): Also known as instant-runoff voting, RCV allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest first-choice votes is eliminated, and their supporters' second-choice votes are redistributed. This process continues until a candidate achieves a majority.

Debates about Potential Reforms:

1. Electoral College Reform: There have been ongoing debates about reforming or abolishing the Electoral College system in the United States. Some argue that it can lead to situations where the winner of the popular vote does not win the presidency, as happened in the 2000 and 2016 elections. Proposed reforms include a National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, where states pledge to allocate their electors to the national popular vote winner.

2. Proportional Representation: Supporters argue that proportional representation leads to more inclusive and diverse representation in legislatures. Critics, however, believe it can lead to unstable coalition governments and a proliferation of small parties.

3. Ranked-Choice Voting: Proponents of ranked-choice voting argue that it encourages candidates to appeal to a broader range of voters and reduces negative campaigning. Critics raise concerns about voter confusion and the potential for spoiler candidates.

4. Redistricting and Gerrymandering: Reform efforts often focus on the redistricting process, which can lead to gerrymandered districts that favor one political party. Independent redistricting commissions have been proposed to make the process fairer.

5. Compulsory Voting: Some countries have compulsory voting laws, which require eligible citizens to vote in elections. Proponents argue that this ensures higher voter turnout and greater representation of all citizens, while critics emphasize the importance of individual freedom.

Debates about election systems and potential reforms are ongoing and vary from country to country. The choice of system depends on a nation's historical and cultural context, as well as its specific goals for representative democracy.