National Conventions

• What happens using national conventions?

  Political parties officially nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates
• National Conventions also serve as a platforms for parties to unite, showcase their candidates and set the tone for the general election campaign
• Traditionally, which party holds the convention second?

  The party holding the presidency currently
• The key purposes of national conventions are:

  • Official nomination of candidates
  • adoption of the party platform
  • showcasing kew figures and rising stars
  • Setting the tone for the general election campaign
• Adoption of the Party Platform

  The platform is a comprehensive document that outlines the party’s policies, goals and principles. It is made of individual ‘planks’ each detailing the party’s stance on specific issues
• What did the 2020 Democratic Party platform include?

  Comprehensive platform that included a range of policies from healthcare reform to addressing climate change
• 2020 Republican Party platform

  In a break from tradition, decided not to adopt a new platform and instead expressed continued support for President Trump’s agenda
• Unifying the Party

  Conventions serve as a rallying point for the party, aiming to unify various factions and leaders after a potentially divisive primary season. An opportunity for the party to present a united front going into the general election
• Example of Party Unity

  The 2020 Democratic National Convention featured speakers from across the party spectrum, including progressives like Bernie Sanders and moderates like John Kasich
• Showcasing Key figures

  2024 DNC: showcased previous democratic presidents including Obama and Clinton

  RNC: Showcased members of the Trump family