Explain and analyse three functions of national nominating conventions in the US

Point 1

unifying the party - mobilise supporters ahead of the general election

Expand 1

- Conventions can be very important for parties after the divisive primary process.

- Losing candidates often give speeches endorsing the winner.

- This can create positive publicity and help win the election.

- This may be the most important function of all.

- divided parties are rarely winning parties

evidence 1

- In the 2020 Democratic National Convention, party leaders and elected officials such as Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Elizabeth Warren came together to endorse and support Joe Biden as the party's nominee.

- This helped to unify the party and build momentum for Biden heading into the general election.

explain and analyse 1

- This shows that national nominating conventions can be effective in unifying parties by publicly demonstrating elite support for the nominee and signalling the end of internal competition.

- High-profile endorsements from figures associated with different factions of the Democratic Party helped to legitimise Biden's leadership and reassure voters that the party was broadly united.

- However, the effectiveness of this function is limited, as elite unity does not necessarily eliminate grassroots divisions, and some voters may remain disengaged or sceptical despite these symbolic displays.

judgement 1

Therefore, while conventions can successfully project party unity and generate short-term momentum, their unifying function is often more symbolic than transformative.

Point 2

Select the presidential and vice presidential candidates for the party

expand 2

- delegates vote to decide who is the presidential nominee.

- The rules of each party require that a candidate gains over 50 per cent of delegates.

- If no candidate achieves this, a brokered convention takes place requiring more rounds of voting.

evidence 2

At the 2020 Democratic National Convention, Joe Biden was formally nominated after securing a clear majority of pledged delegates during the primaries.

Explain + Analysis 2

- This shows that the nominating function of conventions is now largely procedural rather than decisive, as Biden's victory was secured through the primary process long before the convention took place.

- However, the convention remains effective in providing legitimacy and unity, as the formal delegate vote publicly confirms the nominee and signals party endorsement to voters.

- This is particularly important in preventing internal disputes and ensuring a smooth transition into the general election campaign.

Judgement 2

Therefore, while national nominating conventions no longer play a major role in choosing presidential candidates, they remain effective in formally legitimising and consolidating the party's nominee.

Point 3

Decide the policy platform - for communicating party ideology, values, and policy priorities to the electorate.

Evidence 3

- In 2016, the most contentious platform debate at the Republican convention was on issues regarding sexuality.

- The Platform Committee proposed a platform with a 'staunchly conservative' view on homosexuality, same-sex marriage and transgender issues, calling for the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v Hodges (2015), which declared the rights of same-sex couples to be married a constitutional right, to be overturned.

- When the platform came to the convention floor, it was approved merely on a voice vote with only a few 'nays' audible.

Explain + analysis 3

- This demonstrates how national nominating conventions allow parties to clearly articulate their ideological priorities

- The Republican Party's 2016 platform commitment to overturn Obergefell v Hodges signalled strong conservative values to its core supporters and helped mobilise socially conservative voters.

- However, the effectiveness of this function is limited, as party platforms are not legally binding and are often ignored once campaigning begins.

- In practice, President Trump did not directly overturn the ruling, suggesting that platforms are more about signalling and voter appeal than shaping actual policy outcomes.

Judgement 3

Therefore, while national nominating conventions are effective at communicating party ideology and appealing to key voter groups through platforms, their impact on real policy-making is limited and largely symbolic.