United States presidential nominating convention facts for kids

In the United States, a presidential nominating convention is a big meeting held by each political party. These meetings happen every four years, usually in the summer, before a presidential election. At the convention, special people called delegates (who are chosen to vote) pick the party's candidates for president and vice president. They also decide on the party's platform, which is a document that explains what the party believes in and what its goals are. Since 1972, most delegates have been chosen through special votes called primary elections in each state.

What is a Presidential Convention?

A presidential nominating convention is like a big party meeting where important decisions are made. Each major political party in the United States holds one of these conventions. It's a key step in deciding who will run for president and vice president.

When and Where Do Conventions Happen?

These conventions take place every four years. They are usually held in the summer, a few months before the main presidential election in November. The location changes each time, often in large cities with big sports stadiums or convention centers. This allows many people to attend.

Who Attends a Convention?

The most important people at a convention are the delegates. These are individuals chosen from each state to represent their state's voters. They are the ones who cast the official votes for the presidential and vice presidential candidates. Besides delegates, many party leaders, volunteers, and news reporters also attend.

What Happens at a Convention?

A few big things happen at a presidential convention:

• Choosing Candidates: The main goal is for delegates to officially choose the party's candidates for president and vice president. This is often done through a "roll call" vote, where each state announces its votes.
• Agreeing on a Platform: The party also creates its "platform." This is a written document that lists all the party's main ideas, goals, and plans for the country. It tells voters what the party stands for.
• Speeches and Excitement: There are many speeches from important party members, including the candidates themselves. These speeches are meant to get people excited and ready for the election. The convention often ends with the presidential candidate giving a big speech, accepting their nomination.

How Are Delegates Chosen?

Since 1972, most delegates are chosen through primary elections or caucuses. These are special votes held in each state before the convention. Voters in each state get to choose which candidate they want to support. The results of these votes help decide which delegates will go to the convention and who they will vote for.

Images for kids

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  The 1876 Democratic National Convention at the Merchants Exchange Building in St. Louis, Missouri. Samuel J. Tilden and Thomas A. Hendricks were nominated for president and vice president respectively

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  The 2008 Green Party National Convention held in Chicago. Various third parties also hold their own national conventions.

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  The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans was the site of the 1988 Republican National Convention, which nominated George H.W. Bush and Dan Quayle for president and vice president. In recent decades, the two major parties have held their conventions at sports stadiums and arenas.

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  Roll call of states during the 2008 Democratic National Convention at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado.

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  First Lady Pat Nixon speaking at the 1972 Republican National Convention. She was the first Republican First Lady to do what is now considered common practice.

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  Barack Obama and Joe Biden appear together at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

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  News anchor Ted Koppel (pictured in 2002), who midway through the 1996 Republican National Convention told viewers that he was going home because it has become "more of an infomercial than a news event."