Step 1: The Nomination

In general, there are 2 major ways to nominate a candidate for president:​

1. Caucus: A group of like-minded people who meet to nominate a candidate

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• Many people disagree with the closed​-door and private nature of this time of nomination so it has faded over time

Step 1: The Nomination

2. Primary: Held w​ithin a political party to pick that party's candidates for the general election

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• Most commonly used way to nominate candidates

• CLOSED PRIMARY= only people declared to that po​litical party can vote (have to be registered to that party)

• OPEN PRIMARY= anyone can be involved in the selection process as long as they are a qualified voter

Step 1 Alternate

Americans can also nominate using petition; however this is most common at the local level

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Also happens more frequently for minor and independent parties

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The higher the position for nomination, the more signatures required​

Step 2: The National Convention

The time where each political party officially nominate

their candidates for president and vice-president

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Bring major figures of the party together for a common purpose

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The party adopts an official platform (principles, stances, objectives)​