Definition
Party conventions may nominate candidates, adopt platforms, approve rules, elect party officers, and rally supporters.
Political Dictionary
Party Convention
A party convention is a meeting where party members conduct official business and select leaders or nominees.
Why It Matters
They formalize party decisions and provide public visibility for candidates and messages.
How It Works
Delegates gather under party rules, vote on credentials, platforms, rules, and nominations, and hear speeches.
History
Conventions became central to presidential nominations in the nineteenth century before primaries shifted much of the decision-making to voters.
Example
A state party convention may endorse candidates and adopt resolutions.
Common Misconceptions
- Every convention directly chooses nominees without primaries.
- Convention delegates are public officials.
- All conventions use identical rules.
Related Terms
Related Topics
See Also