The Presidency

PRESIDENTIAL NOMINATIONS Section 4

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.