National Nominating Conventions

Question 1

What do these conventions serve as?

Answer 1

-formal coronations of successful candidates

Question 2

Where do they take place?

Answer 2

-mostly in swing states
-e.g. 2020 Dem convention took place largely in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Question 3

When are they held?

Answer 3

-July/aug pg election year
-2/3 months before Nov polls

Question 4

What is a brokered convention?

Answer 4

-when no candidate has overall majority among delegates

Question 5

What roles do modern party conventions fulfil?

Answer 5

-unite divided party as former rivals lineup to endure + congratulate eventual winner - like a rally
-e.g. 2008 Dem convention - important party united following bitter rivalry between Obama + Clinton but both endorsed each other wholeheartedly in speeches

Question 6

What is another role it fulfils regarding publicity?

Answer 6

-gives momentum to candidates campaign via publicity - provides temp boost in poll ratings
-e.g. winning candidates can sell messages to public through state-managed speeches + endorsement by celebrities

Question 7

How else do they fulfil their role through policies?

Answer 7

-allows candidates to outline their policy themes
-e.g. 2016 Repub convention on issues regarding sexuality + proposed staunchly cons view on homosexuality calling SC ruling Obergefell v Hodges be overturned

Question 8

How do they mark the beginning of the presidents campaign?

Answer 8

-it’s where they select P + VP candidates for party
-Romney and his VP Paul Ryan 2012