Caucus
Overview
A caucus is a meeting of party members in a local area (e.g., precinct, county, or state) to discuss candidates, express preferences, and select delegates for higher-level party conventions. Unlike primary elections, which are ballots cast by voters in private, caucuses involve public discussions and votes, often requiring attendees to stay until the end of the process.
Key Themes
- Grassroots Participation: Caucuses emphasize community involvement, allowing party members to debate and shape nominations collectively.
- Party Loyalty: Participants are often committed party activists, which can strengthen internal cohesion but also limit broader participation.
- Delegate Selection: Caucuses determine which delegates will represent the party at state or national conventions, influencing the nomination process.
Significance
Caucuses play a significant role in U.S. elections by giving influence to politically engaged citizens compared to primaries. They reflect the democratic ideal of deliberative decision-making but are often criticized for being time-consuming and exclusive. Historically significant examples include the Iowa Caucus, which has long been a key early test for presidential candidates.