How Parties Nominate Presidents

Abstract This article reviews the evolution of the presidential nominating process and the role of party in securing presidential nominations from the founding to the modern era. It also describes the understanding of how voters reach decisions in presidential primaries and the larger consequences of the presidential nomination process for the functioning of the American political system. It starts by presenting a brief history of presidential nomination procedures. Two major ideas underlie most of the changes instituted by the McGovern-Fraser Commission. The most conspicuous consequence of the new rules was a significant increase in the number of presidential primaries. No matter what the rules, ambitious candidates and other actors find ways to make them work to their advantage or, at least, to neutralize the disadvantages. Party leaders have found ways of exerting influence in the post-reform nomination process.