How Elections Work
The Evolution of Political Conventions: From Caucuses to Primaries and Beyond
Political conventions have been a cornerstone of the American political process for nearly two centuries. They play a critical role in nominating presidential candidates and establishing party platforms. Over time, the relationship between primaries, caucuses, and conventions has evolved, reflecting changes in the democratic process. Despite changes in format and function, conventions remain a vital…
Read MoreThe 12th Amendment
The 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution, ratified in 1804, introduced significant changes to the process of electing the President and Vice President. Prior to this amendment, the original process, as outlined in Article II, Section 1, Clause 3 of the Constitution, often led to confusion and political conflict. The 12th Amendment aimed to…
Read MoreHow Elections in the United States Work
The United States has a long and storied history of democracy, and elections have been a critical part of that story. Today, elections in the United States are held at the federal, state, and local levels. Federal elections, held every four years, select the president and vice president. State elections, held every two years, elect…
Read MorePrimary Elections
Primary elections are used by political parties in the United States to select their candidates for public office. They are typically held before the general election to determine which individuals will represent each party on the ballot. There are two types of primary elections: closed and open. Only registered political party members can vote for…
Read MoreGeneral Elections
General elections in the United States are held to select federal, state, and local officials. These elections are typically held on the first Tuesday of November in even-numbered years. The candidates who win the general election are elected to office. All eligible voters in a district or state can vote for candidates running for office…
Read MoreRunoff Elections
Some states require the winner to receive the majority of the votes (more than 50%) and not just a plurality (the most votes). A runoff election is held when no candidate in a primary or general election receives a majority of the votes cast. The top two candidates who received the most votes proceed to…
Read MoreWhat is Ranked Choice Voting?
Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a method of voting in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. Instead of choosing just one candidate, voters can indicate which candidate is their first choice, second choice, third choice, and so on. Ranking allows voters to express a greater level of nuance in their preferences and can…
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