Incorrect. Our country was founded as an indirect democracy via electoral college. By technicality the popular vote means nothing, and the electoral college makes the ultimate decision. Google the instances when the electoral college overrode the popular vote.

Its not always 51 triumphs 49, sometimes the 49 triumphs the 51 if the elector is feelin itchy. Or they just want to be different. No elector is bound by any obligation to vote for what the masses have.