Before political conventions became a fixture of the American electoral process, selecting presidential candidates was much more informal and decentralized.

In the United States’ early years, candidates were often chosen by a small group of political elites, often behind closed doors. This practice, known as the “King Caucus” system, involved congressional caucuses, where members of Congress from each party would meet to decide who would run for president. It was an exclusive process, far removed from the broader electorate’s influence.

The Birth of Conventions: Power to the People or Just a New Game?

The King Caucus system began to lose favor in the early 19th century as it became increasingly clear that it was out of step with the democratic ideals gaining traction in America. The system was criticized for being undemocratic, as it concentrated too much power on a few political insiders and excluded ordinary voters from the process.

The contentious 1824 election, in which the House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams despite Andrew Jackson winning the popular vote, further underscored the need for a more transparent and inclusive selection method.

In response to these criticisms, political parties began experimenting with holding national conventions, where delegates from each state would gather to choose their party’s nominee.

The first national political convention was held by the Anti-Masonic Party in 1831. Still, it was the Democratic Party’s convention in 1832 that truly set the stage for what would become a new tradition in American politics. This approach allowed for broader participation from party members across the country and aimed to create a more democratic and unified process for selecting candidates.

Conventions provided a platform for party leaders to debate and decide on their nominees, but they also served a strategic purpose. By bringing together delegates from different states, conventions helped build party unity and ensure that the eventual nominee had broad support within the party. This was a significant shift from the King Caucus system, where the nominee might have only had the backing of a small, elite group. The convention system was designed to be more inclusive and to reflect the party’s grassroots rather than just its leadership.

The 1800s Convention Craze: When Chaos Ruled the Day

As the convention system became more established in the 1800s, it began to take on the characteristics we recognize today. Early conventions were often chaotic and highly contested affairs. Delegates would gather in large halls, often for several days, to debate and vote on their party’s nominee.

These early conventions were sometimes marked by intense negotiations and backroom deals as different factions within the party jockeyed for influence and tried to push their preferred candidate to the forefront.

One of the most famous examples of a convention from this era is the 1860 Republican National Convention in Chicago, where Abraham Lincoln emerged as the party’s nominee after multiple rounds of voting.

The convention was a turning point in American politics, not just because of Lincoln’s eventual victory, but because it showcased the power of a well-organized convention to shape the country’s future. Lincoln’s team, led by master strategist David Davis, worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure the support of key delegates, outmaneuvering better-known candidates like William Seward.

While early conventions were often unpredictable and somewhat chaotic, they laid the groundwork for today’s highly organized and media-driven events like we see today.

As the 19th century progressed, conventions became more structured and played a larger role in shaping the public’s perception of the candidates and the party. Introducing new technologies, such as telegraphs and newspapers, allowed the proceedings to be broadcast to a broader audience, increasing their significance as a tool for rallying the party base and influencing public opinion.

Smoke-Filled Rooms to Media Spectacles: Conventions Get a Makeover

As the 20th century dawned, political conventions began to evolve into the highly choreographed events we recognize today—the role of conventions as decision-making bodies started to diminish as primary elections gained prominence.

By the mid-20th century, most delegates were bound to support the candidate who won their state’s primary, reducing the likelihood of contested conventions. A contested convention is when delegates must negotiate and vote to select the party’s nominee at the event—a scenario that adds an intense, unpredictable element to the proceedings.

Television played a significant role in this transformation.

The first televised national conventions, beginning with the Republican convention in 1940, brought the proceedings into the living rooms of millions of Americans, fundamentally changing the nature of these events. Conventions became less about making decisions and more about crafting a narrative and presenting a unified front to the electorate. Once lengthy and spontaneous, speeches became shorter, more polished, and aimed at making a strong impression on viewers at home.

Today’s conventions blend traditional and contemporary elements with carefully orchestrated schedules, prominent keynote speakers, and a focus on media coverage. The selection of the vice-presidential candidate, once a decision that used to be announced at the convention, is now typically announced beforehand to maximize media coverage.

Conventions unveil the party’s platform, rally supporters, and introduce the candidates to the general public. They also serve as a launching pad for the general election campaign, setting the tone and narrative to carry the party through to Election Day.

The Convention Playbook: How Today’s Events Set the Stage for November

A contemporary political convention typically follows a well-established course designed to maximize media exposure and build momentum for the general election.

The first day usually involves setting the stage with speeches from party leaders, rising stars, and sometimes former presidents. This day is about rallying the base, focusing on unity and the party’s core values.

The second day often features the formal nomination of the presidential candidate, culminating in a roll-call vote of the delegates. This process, once a contentious and unpredictable event, is now largely ceremonial, as the outcome is usually known well in advance. However, the roll call remains a symbolic moment, showcasing the diversity and unity of the party.

The third day typically includes the selection and nomination of the vice-presidential candidate, followed by a speech from the nominee. This day is crucial for introducing the running mate to the public and solidifying the party’s message and platform.

The convention’s final day is the climax, featuring the presidential nominee’s acceptance speech. This speech is the candidate’s opportunity to lay out their vision for the country and directly appeal to voters. The convention typically concludes with unity and optimism, with balloons, confetti, and a patriotic soundtrack signaling the start of the campaign’s final phase.

In many ways, today’s conventions are more about spectacle and media messaging than the deliberative processes of the past. However, they remain a critical part of the American electoral system, serving as a pivotal moment for parties to unify, energize their base, and introduce their candidates to the nation.

Conventions—The More Things Change…

Political conventions have come a long way from their origins as informal gatherings of party elites. Today, they are highly choreographed events designed to showcase what a party offers and set the stage for the general election. Understanding the history and evolution of conventions gives us insight into how they have shaped—and continue to shape—American politics.

As we look ahead to the convention next week, it’s important to remember that while the form has changed, the purpose remains: to unify the party, set the agenda, and prepare for the final push to Election Day. Tomorrow, we’ll dive into how conventions aren’t just about speeches and slogans—they’re powerful tools for mobilizing voters and turning grassroots energy into electoral success.

To-Do List

• Reflect on how conventions have evolved and consider what aspects of modern conventions you find most impactful or exciting.
• Share this blog with friends or family to spark a discussion about the role of political conventions in shaping elections.
• Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog to learn how conventions mobilize voters and energize grassroots movements.