Mr. McKinnon - Quite right. I should have noted I was offering a metaphor so that even the least informed could understand how a republic works.
America has a multi-polar federal government, offset by puissant states. Government in turn is balanced by respected and influential religious groups, free press, strong, independent institutions like academia, unions, free markets, Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, along with the all the social welfare and charitable organizations we enjoy. 
So my example conveys the idea that "nothing for the two" is blatantly unfair, a majoritarian tyranny, and even a child can understand the 60/40 outcome.
(Of course, only a dirigiste complains about the Electoral College when he loses.)