Primaries and Caucuses
When the presidential campaign begins, there are lots of candidates. To narrow the field to one candidate from each party, candidates run in primary elections. Winners of the primary elections compete against each other in the general election.
Primary season begins with the Iowa caucus. The first official primary is held in New Hampshire shortly thereafter. Other primaries and caucuses follow, leading up to Super Tuesday, a day in March when many states hold their primary elections at the same time. Often, candidates who don't win many primaries during Super Tuesday drop out of the race. Many people watch these elections closely to see which candidates appear strongest and most likely to win future contests.
In each of the primaries, candidates win delegates who will vote in their favor at the national political conventions, when the political parties officially nominate their candidates for the presidency.
Educators, try these lesson plans and activities in class!
