NP Mock Political Convention January 5 th and 6 th (Tues / Wed)

What is a political Convention? Week-long meeting of party delegates from around the country chosen by each states’ party leaders. Democratic Convention – Week of July 25th in Philadelphia Republican Convention – Week of July 18 in Cleveland

What do they do at the conventions? Platform creation – official list (planks) of what the party stands for. NP - DAY 1

What do they do at the conventions? Officially nominate their candidate ( and running mate) on the last day NP - DAY 2

What do they do at the conventions? Officially nominate their candidate ( and running mate) on the last day NP - DAY 2 The politics … – “Favorite sons” – “What are you going to do for us?”

What do they do at the conventions? Present their party to America Celebrities future candidates

What do they do at the conventions? Fire up their members! (votes, $, work)

Why have it at the end of summer? Candidates have had time to decide to run, raise money, gauge their support State primaries are finished

Why have it at the end of summer? Candidates have had time to decide to run, raise money, gauge their support State primaries are finished Gives the party two whole months to campaign & raise money before the national election in November

What is the timeline of this presidential election process? Summer, 2015 – candidates officially announce that they are running (strategy) Fall, 2015 – candidates travel around to get their message out and raise money. Parties also organize debates. Candidates drop Winter/Spring, 2016 – states have their primaries July, 2016 – Conventions Aug, Sept, Oct, 2016 – Campaigns and Debates Nov. 8, 2016 – Presidential election