The Presidency Section 4 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS National Conventions

National Conventions • As democracy has expanded, the nomination process has become more democratic.

Presidential Primaries • One of or both of two things: – Delegate-Selection process –

Primary Appraisal • Primaries democratized the presidential selection process • Put potential candidates to

The Caucuses • States without primary ballot elections hold caucuses • Caucus process –

Securing the Nomination • The National Convention – Naming the party’s presidential and vice

Who is Nominated? • Several factors contribute to a party choosing its candidates for

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The Presidency

Section 4 PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS

National Conventions • As democracy has expanded, the nomination process has become more democratic. • The convention process has been created entirely by political parties • The political parties set the number of delegates each state will get. – Each state’s electoral votes – Bonus delegates (superdelegates)

Presidential Primaries • One of or both of two things: – Delegate-Selection process – Candidate preference election • Process differs state to state because of: – The fact that delegate-selection is set by state law – The ongoing reform efforts of the Democrats • Each state sets the date for their primaries – Most candidates must have money and recognition to be successful because of the hectic schedule. • Most primaries award delegates on a proportional basis. – Democrats require it – The way delegates are selected varies greatly from state to state.

Primary Appraisal • Primaries democratized the presidential selection process • Put potential candidates to “the test” – Screen out weaker candidates • Large demands placed on candidates: time, effort, money, scheduling, & fatigue • Some propose reforms: – Single, Nation-wide primary, or regional primaries

The Caucuses • States without primary ballot elections hold caucuses • Caucus process – Voters meet at the precinct level to express a preference for presidential nominee and select delegates for local or district conventions. – Delegates at district convention select delegates to state convention. – Delegates at state convention choose delegates to national convention.

Securing the Nomination • The National Convention – Naming the party’s presidential and vice presidential candidates. – Bringing the various party factions together – Adopting the party platform.

Who is Nominated? • Several factors contribute to a party choosing its candidates for the presidency – Candidate must be able to win – Political experience: Usually have long records of serving in political positions • Many from positions as Governors or Senators – Other Characteristics • WASPS (White, Anglo-Saxon, Protestants), Men, Wealthy, Relatively Attractive, Happily Married, Eloquent Speakers, from Large States.