Convention
The national gathering of a political party's delegates that formally nominates the presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
A national party convention is the formal event at which a political party's delegates gather to officially nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Conventions also adopt the party's platform - a statement of its policy positions and goals.
Conventions are typically held in the summer before the November general election. They last several days and feature speeches by party leaders, the formal roll call vote of delegates, and the acceptance speech by the presidential nominee.
In the modern primary era, the nominee is usually known well before the convention begins. The convention therefore serves primarily as a major television and media event designed to unify the party and launch the general election campaign.
In a contested convention, where no candidate arrives with a majority of delegates, the convention itself becomes the decision-making body.
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A party representative selected during primaries or caucuses who votes for a presidential nominee at the national convention.
The candidate formally selected by a political party to run for president in the general election.
A national party convention where no candidate arrives with enough delegates to win on the first ballot, requiring negotiation to select a nominee.
The combined presidential and vice-presidential candidates of a political party running together in the general election.