Why do we have presidential primary elections and caucuses ?
Both caucuses and primaries are important forums for dialogue and ways of sorting things out by breaking down larger groups. So it is like a class splitting up into groups where more discussion can take place on a more intimate level. A caucus is where a political party members or subgroups get together to debate within, coordinate actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. A caucus, does not have to be party related either. It can be a way of subgrouping elected officials that share certain interests, gender, or ethnicities (as a few examples). Primaries are important in our democratic process because it gives the people a chance (usually within their party) to be able to have a part in helping chose who gets nominated in the general election. In some countries the party simply choses the candidate and the people only get to vote in the general election.
Both caucuses and primaries are important forums for dialogue and ways of sorting things out by breaking down larger groups. So it is like a class splitting up into groups where more discussion can take place on a more intimate level. A caucus is where a political party members or subgroups get together to debate within, coordinate actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. A caucus, does not have to be party related either. It can be a way of subgrouping elected officials that share certain interests, gender, or ethnicities (as a few examples). Primaries are important in our democratic process because it gives the people a chance (usually within their party) to be able to have a part in helping chose who gets nominated in the general election. In some countries the party simply choses the candidate and the people only get to vote in the general election. Primaries also allow an opportunity for certain ideas to be expressed by candidates in the media spot
The old adage is that “ANYONE can grow up in America and become President”. How would you like to have THAT menu to choose from early in November? The political process in this country is managed by the political parties, Republican, Democrats, and the Libertarians. Also, from time to time another party will emerge like the Green Party. Each one one them wants to be represented on the US Presidential ballot in November. SOOO! Each part holds “primaries” to determine each states choice for each party candidate for President. ANYBODY can “run” in a pary primari if they pay the entrance fee and can pass the minimal Constitutional requirements for the job. If you get the most votes in any particular state, and carry enough states, then YOU are destined to be on the Presidential ballot FOR YOUR political PARTY in November. Also, the candidate getting the LARGEST number (over 50%)of “electoral college” votes in the Presidential election becomes the president. NOT the one who gets 50percent p
