1. Presidential Nominations
13.4

2. Role of conventions Constitution says Nothing
National party makes arrangements and sets the date
Apportionment of delegates
Inform states how many delegates they can bring
Selection of delegates
Choosing among party members

3. Presidential Primaries
Most states use primary system
Determined by state’s laws
Makes name recognition and $ more important
Formats
winner take all- candidate with most votes wins all support
Proportional rep.- Any candidate who wins at least 15%, gets % of share of primary votes

4. Evaluation
Plays major part in deciding Presidential nomination contests in both parties, especially party out of power
Weeds out candidates
Hard fought contests occur but are not common w/ party in- power if Pres.:
Seeking reelection
Has given his/her backing to someone they favor

5. Reform proposal Primaries put lots of demands on candidates:
Time, effort, $, scheduling, fatigue

6. Caucus
Caucus
party members meet in local caucus to choose delegates to go to national convention
National convention
Every 4 years, officially choose person to represent party

7. Who is nominated? Political experience
Most electable, available, with the broadest appeal
Republicans- Governors
Democrats- Senators
Other characteristics
People from larger states, attractive appearance, family, happily married, well-developed speaking ability