notes

• National conventions are called every four years to officially nominate presidential candidates. 
• Each state sends delegates based on their electoral votes.
• Differences in choices of delegates between Republican and Democratic parties.

• The device used is the Party Primary
• Began in early 1900's as a reaction to party boss dominated politics. 
• Delegate selection primary and Candidate preference primary 
• Typically front loaded, New Hampshire is always the first primary 

• Delegate Selection Process began as winner take all 
• Now moved to proportional representation
• 15%+ receives delegates in proportion to their votes

• Caucuses is a closed meeting of a political party, which gather to select delegates to the national convention 

• Convention Schedule 
• Day 2; adopt platform. keynote address. 
• Day 3; select or affirm choice for vice presidential candidate 
• Day 4; select and affirm presidential candidate, by delegates voting. Candidate delivers acceptance speech.

• Characteristics (typically)
• Long run of political experience(governorship has been important, senate used to be a springboard), protestants from large states, good speakers who seem to have a stable family life, pleasant and healthy appearance.