McGovern-Fraser Commission

Definition

The McGovern-Fraser Commission was established in 1969 by the Democratic National Committee to reform the presidential nomination process. It aimed to increase participation and representation in primary elections by addressing concerns over the lack of transparency and inclusivity in candidate selection. The commission's recommendations led to a more open system where primaries became more influential, allowing a broader range of voters to participate in the nomination process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The commission was led by Senator George McGovern and Representative Donald Fraser, hence its name.
2. It was a response to the chaotic 1968 Democratic National Convention, which revealed deep divisions within the party.
3. One major outcome of the commission was the shift towards state-run primary elections rather than caucuses, increasing accessibility for voters.
4. The recommendations also included quotas for women and minority representation in delegate selection.
5. As a result of these reforms, primaries began to play a critical role in determining party nominees, changing the landscape of American politics.

Review Questions

• How did the McGovern-Fraser Commission change the way presidential candidates are nominated within the Democratic Party?
  • The McGovern-Fraser Commission significantly changed the nomination process by implementing reforms that made it more democratic and inclusive. It shifted power from party elites to voters by increasing the role of state-run primaries and ensuring that delegate selection included greater representation of women and minorities. This shift allowed ordinary party members to have a more direct say in which candidates would be nominated, thus reshaping the landscape of American politics.
• Discuss the impact of the McGovern-Fraser Commission on voter participation in presidential primaries.
  • The McGovern-Fraser Commission had a profound impact on voter participation in presidential primaries by promoting transparency and accessibility. By transitioning from caucus systems to state-run primaries, more voters could participate without needing to attend lengthy meetings. This reform not only increased turnout but also engaged diverse demographics, making the process more representative of the electorate as a whole.
• Evaluate how the recommendations of the McGovern-Fraser Commission influenced subsequent changes in primary election laws and procedures across the United States.
  • The recommendations of the McGovern-Fraser Commission sparked significant changes in primary election laws and procedures across the United States by emphasizing greater democratic participation and representation. States began adopting primary systems that prioritized voter access, leading to an increase in both open and closed primaries. Additionally, the introduction of superdelegates reflected an ongoing tension between grassroots movements and party establishment interests, illustrating how the commission's legacy continues to shape the dynamics of presidential nominations today.

Related terms

Superdelegates: Party officials and elected leaders who are granted delegate status at the Democratic National Convention, allowing them to support any candidate for the nomination, often used to maintain party influence.

Primaries: Elections held in each state to determine which candidates will represent a political party in the general election, including both open and closed types.

Caucus: A meeting of party members to discuss and vote on candidates, often characterized by smaller groups and less formal voting procedures compared to primaries.