The Selection and Nomination of Candidates

Where are the primaries and caucuses held?

Where are the primaries and caucuses held?

When do they take place?

Usually held in the summer of an election year

Why is the winning candidate a ‘foregone conclusion’?

Guaranteed because of the results of the preceding primaries and caucuses.

When was the last time there was a ‘brokered’ convention?

1948 - Democrat Walter Mondale fell 40 votes short of an overall majority.

What are three informal functions of a convention?

1. Chance to unite a divided party - formal rivals line up to endorse and congratulate the winner - atmosphere largely that of a rally.

2. Gives Monmouth to the candidate campaign via publicity + a chance to outline and explain their main party policies. Most conventions followed by a temporary boost in poll ratings - not the case in 2020, neither candidates received a post convention ‘bounce’.

3. Marks the formal beginning of the presidential campaign.