2011 FRQ #3

Post date: Apr 16, 2013 3:47:3 PM

3. Nominees for the presidency of the two major parties are chosen by delegates at national conventions. How these delegates are chosen varies across states and between the political parties. (2011)

a. Define each of the following methods used by states to choose delegates to party conventions.

• Open primary

• Caucus

b. Republican Party rules permit winner-take-all primaries. Describe one consequence of this rule for the

Republican nomination process.

c. The Democratic Party has used superdelegates in the presidential nominating process since 1984. Explain

why the use of superdelegates increases the influence of party leaders in the Democratic nomination process.

d. Explain why a candidate’s strategy to win the nomination is often different from the strategy developed to

win the general election.