notes on March 7, 2014

1. National convention- called every four years to officially nominate presidential candidates.
2. primaries- the device each party uses to select its nomination for president... typically frontloaded- New Hampshire is always the first primary.
3. Delegate Selection process- began as winner take all.... now moved to proportional representation- 15% or more receives delegates in proportion to their votes.
4. Caucuses- a closed meeting of a political party which gather to select delegates to the national convention.
5. convention schedule- day 2- adopt platform and keynote address......day 3- select or affirm choice for vice presidential candidate.......day 4- select and affirm presidential candidates done by delegates voting or candidate delivers acceptance speech.
6. Nominee Characteristics- typically the current president is nominated...typically has long runof political experience, governship has been important, senate used to be a springboard....typically protestants from large states......good speakers who seem to have a stable family life and also have a pleasant and healthy appearance.