Functions of National Party Conventions

The national convention performs both formal and informal functions. Look at the following functions. Decide if they are formal or informal functions and explain how important this function is.

Choosing the party’s presidential candidates.  To win the presidential nomination a candidate must receive an absolute majority of delegate votes. In the past the presidential candidate was not always known in advance. Today it is more accurate to say the convention confirms- rather than chooses the party’s presidential candidate.

Formal/informal – How important?

Promoting party unity. It is vital that personal divisions and internal party wounds are healed before the general election campaigns as divided parties rarely win elections.

Give an example of this function:

Formal/informal – How important?

Enthusing party supporters. If a presidential candidate is going to be victorious they need the support of their party members across the 50 states to organise campaigns. At the Convention speeches and the appearances of party heroes can help build support.

Give an example of this function:

Formal/informal – How important?

Encourage ordinary voters. The acceptance speech on the final night of the convention can be a time to gain the attention of ordinary voters. Sometimes presidential candidates can receive a post-convention ‘bounce’ as support is increased following the convention.

Give an example of this function:

Formal/informal: – How important?

Choosing the vice-presidential candidate. Formally the convention chooses  the ‘running mate. However, nowadays the running mate is chosen by the convention and merely confirmed by the convention. Some now announce the running mate a few weeks before the convention, but some leave it to just a few days before the convention.

Give an example of this function:

Formal/informal – How important?

Deciding the party platform. This document gives a statement on the party’s policies for an upcoming presidential election that is used during the campaign to win support from voters.

Give an example of this function:

Formal/informal – How important?