national nominating convention

what happens

national conference

coronation of the winning candidate

4 day event

held in July/august of election year

run by DNC and RNC

acceptance speeches and keynote speakers

balanced ticker is showcased

party members for all 50 states

political theatre

historical context

1830s - national conventions

rise and fall of primaries/caucuses

1968 democratic national convention

vote to decide nominee

McGovern-Fraser report

made primaries more democratic

reduced role of NNCs in deciding nominee

riots outside and heated debate inside threatened party's image

NNCs should be more stage managed

Formal functions

deciding party presidential nominee

deciding vice-presidential candidate

deciding on the party platform

pledged delegates vote for their states primary/caucus winner

superdelegates are free to vote for whoever

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