key term - Democratic National Convention

Definition

The Democratic National Convention is the quadrennial gathering of delegates from the Democratic Party to nominate their candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. It is a key event in the presidential election process, where the party platform is also established and the party's vision and priorities are outlined.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Democratic National Convention is held every four years, typically in the summer preceding the presidential election.
2. The convention is responsible for drafting and approving the party's platform, which outlines the party's policy positions and priorities.
3. Delegates to the convention are selected through a combination of primary elections, caucuses, and other party-specific processes.
4. The convention culminates in the formal nomination of the party's presidential and vice-presidential candidates, who then go on to campaign for the general election.
5. The Democratic National Convention is a highly visible and influential event, as it allows the party to showcase its vision and rally support from its base and the broader electorate.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the Democratic National Convention in the presidential nomination process.
  • The Democratic National Convention is a crucial step in the presidential nomination process. It is where the party's delegates gather to formally nominate the presidential and vice-presidential candidates, after they have been selected through a series of primary elections and caucuses. The convention also serves as a platform for the party to unveil its policy platform and rally support for its candidates and their vision for the country.
• Describe the significance of the party platform that is developed at the Democratic National Convention.
  • The party platform adopted at the Democratic National Convention is a highly influential document that outlines the party's policy positions, priorities, and vision for the country. It serves as a guiding document for the party's candidates and elected officials, and helps to shape the policy debates and discussions during the general election campaign. The platform is the result of a collaborative process involving party leaders, activists, and delegates, and it reflects the party's core values and the concerns of its diverse constituencies.
• Analyze how the public presidency, as discussed in Chapter 12.4, is influenced by the Democratic National Convention.
  • The Democratic National Convention is a key event in the public presidency, as it provides an opportunity for the party's presidential nominee to introduce themselves to the broader electorate and articulate their vision for the country. The convention's nationally televised speeches and events allow the nominee to showcase their leadership, communication skills, and ability to connect with voters. Additionally, the party platform and policy positions adopted at the convention can shape the nominee's policy agenda and messaging during the general election campaign, ultimately influencing their ability to effectively communicate with and mobilize the public as president.

Related terms

Party Platform:

The set of principles, policies, and goals that a political party promotes and supports during an election campaign.

Delegate:

A representative selected to attend and vote at a political convention on behalf of a particular state, district, or constituency.

Nomination Process: The process by which a political party selects its candidates for elected office, typically through a series of primary elections, caucuses, and the national convention.