Brokered convention

Definition

A brokered convention occurs when no single candidate secures enough delegates to win the party's nomination outright during the primary season, resulting in a contested convention where delegates must negotiate and potentially switch their support to reach a consensus nominee. This situation can lead to intense bargaining, as candidates and their supporters vie for delegate commitments and strategize on alliances to secure a majority. Brokered conventions are rare in modern politics but hold significant historical importance as they can reshape party dynamics and influence electoral strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Brokered conventions are less common in recent years due to the increasing predictability of primaries and caucuses, where front-runners often emerge early.
2. The last brokered convention for the Democratic Party occurred in 1984, while the Republican Party experienced one in 1976.
3. During a brokered convention, strategic alliances among candidates can shift quickly, making it essential for campaigns to build strong coalitions.
4. Brokered conventions can lead to significant changes in party platform and candidate selection, as negotiations often address broader party concerns and priorities.
5. The outcome of a brokered convention can impact voter perceptions and party unity heading into the general election, as divisions may be exposed or healed during the process.

Review Questions

• How does a brokered convention differ from a contested convention in terms of delegate dynamics and candidate strategies?
  • A brokered convention specifically refers to the situation where no single candidate has secured enough delegates to win outright, leading to intense negotiations among delegates who may need to switch their support. In contrast, a contested convention may include multiple rounds of voting without a clear majority winner. Candidates in a brokered convention must navigate complex alliances and bargain with delegates, while those in a contested scenario focus on gaining enough votes across rounds. Both scenarios challenge candidates’ strategic planning but brokered conventions amplify the necessity for coalition-building.
• Discuss the implications of brokered conventions on party unity and electoral outcomes in presidential elections.
  • Brokered conventions can significantly impact party unity as they expose divisions among supporters of different candidates, potentially leading to conflict or resolution during negotiations. If managed effectively, these conventions can rally the party around a consensus candidate, enhancing unity going into the general election. However, if factions remain divided or if the outcome is contentious, it could weaken the party’s chances against its opponents. The way a brokered convention unfolds can either foster collaboration or deepen rifts within the party that affect voter mobilization and support.
• Evaluate how the rarity of brokered conventions in modern politics reflects changes in primary election processes and party strategies over time.
  • The rarity of brokered conventions today highlights significant shifts in primary election processes and party strategies. With the rise of state primaries that allocate delegates more proportionally, along with improved campaign organization and communication, front-runners are often able to secure majority delegate support before conventions. This trend diminishes the likelihood of contention at conventions, as parties prefer unified support to face general elections. Moreover, changes such as the introduction of superdelegates have altered delegate dynamics by providing established party leaders with influence over outcomes. Consequently, brokered conventions serve as historical benchmarks for understanding evolving political landscapes and candidate strategies.

Related terms

delegate: An individual chosen to represent a party at its national convention, often tasked with voting for a specific candidate based on primary or caucus results.

contested convention: A scenario where no candidate has a majority of delegates going into the national convention, requiring multiple rounds of voting and negotiations among delegates.

superdelegate: A party official or elected leader who is granted the privilege to support any candidate at the convention regardless of primary results, often playing a key role in brokered conventions.