Topic 6 - POLS 206

What is the purpose of national party conventions?

To select the party’s nominees for President and Vice President from delegates chosen in the states.

How many delegates were at the 2024 national conventions?

Democrats: 4,695; Republicans: 2,429.

What is the “magic number” to win the nomination?

Majority of delegates (50% + 1)

• Democrats: 2,348

• Republicans: 1,215

What determines the number of delegates a state gets?

Party rules based on:

• Population size (larger states = more delegates)

• Party loyalty (states that vote consistently for that party get more)

What are the two methods used to choose delegates?

(1) Caucus method, and (2) State presidential primary.

Describe the caucus method.

Multi-step process: precinct → county → district/state conventions → national convention delegates. Delegates awarded proportionally (some GOP states use winner-take-all).

Describe the primary method.

Voters express presidential preference in a primary election; delegates awarded proportionally to votes (GOP may allow winner-take-all).

Who are Democratic “superdelegates”?

Automatic, unelected Party Leaders and Elected Officials (PLEOs); ~776 in 2024 (~16% of total); not bound by voter preferences.

Who are considered “Distinguished Party Leaders” (DPLs)?

Former presidents, vice presidents, and congressional leaders.

Who decides whether a state uses a primary or caucus?

State law

What is “frontloading”?

The trend of states holding delegate contests earlier (Feb–July) to gain influence in the nomination process.

Why is frontloading controversial?

Shortens the campaign, gives early states outsized influence, and leaves little time for voters to evaluate all candidates.

How do the parties differ in frontloading effects?

Democrats use proportional allocation (longer contests); Republicans allow winner-take-all (shorter contests).

When does the invisible primary typically begin?

Traditionally after midterm elections, but now often immediately after a new president is inaugurated.

What happens during the invisible primary?

No formal rules or delegates; candidates “test the waters” — raise money, build organizations, gain media mentions.

What are the key indicators of success in the invisible primary?

• The “Money Primary” (fundraising strength)

• Standing in the polls

• The “Endorsements Derby” (support from party elites)

Which are the first official delegate selection events?

The Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary.

Why are Iowa and New Hampshire important?

They receive intense media coverage and national attention because they are first, not because they represent many delegates.

Are Iowa and New Hampshire representative of the U.S. population?

No; they are among the least representative states (IA = 41st, NH = 49th).

What change did Democrats make in 2024?

Moved South Carolina’s primary to be first.

What happens during the mist clearing stage?

Candidates move to later contests, weaker candidates drop out, and the focus shifts to delegate counts.

What is the modern role of the national convention?

To ratify (not decide) the voters’ choices from primaries and caucuses.

What is a “brokered convention”?

When no candidate has the “magic number” of delegates before the convention, leading to negotiations among delegates.

How is the vice-presidential nominee selected?

Chosen by the presidential nominee to “balance the ticket” (ideology, region, gender, race, experience, etc.).

What are the other main functions of the convention?

• Pep rally to promote party unity and image

• Showcase party for television

• Adopt party platform

• Approve party rules