McGovern-Fraser Commission

Definition

The McGovern-Fraser Commission was established in 1969 by the Democratic National Committee to reform the presidential nomination process and make it more democratic. It aimed to increase participation and representation of various demographics within the party, responding to criticisms about the previous system that heavily favored party elites. Its recommendations led to significant changes in how primaries and caucuses were conducted across the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The commission was co-chaired by George McGovern and Tom Hayden, who were influential figures in the Democratic Party during the late 1960s.
2. One major outcome was the shift towards more proportional representation in delegate allocation, moving away from winner-take-all systems.
3. The commission emphasized the importance of including women, minorities, and young voters in the electoral process.
4. As a result of its reforms, many states began adopting different types of primary systems, including open and closed primaries.
5. The McGovern-Fraser Commission's recommendations were instrumental in shaping the modern Democratic Party's nomination process, influencing other parties as well.

Review Questions

• How did the McGovern-Fraser Commission aim to change the presidential nomination process for the Democratic Party?
  • The McGovern-Fraser Commission sought to democratize the presidential nomination process by implementing reforms that would increase participation and representation within the party. It aimed to reduce the influence of party elites by encouraging broader input from various demographics, including women, minorities, and younger voters. This was achieved through recommendations for proportional representation in delegate allocation and by altering how primaries and caucuses were conducted.
• Evaluate the impact of the McGovern-Fraser Commission on state-level primary systems within the United States.
  • The McGovern-Fraser Commission had a profound impact on state-level primary systems by promoting changes that encouraged more democratic practices. Many states began adopting new types of primaries, such as open and closed primaries, which allowed for greater voter engagement. The emphasis on proportional representation led to more equitable delegate distribution among candidates, ultimately changing how presidential candidates campaigned and interacted with voters across different states.
• Analyze how the establishment of the McGovern-Fraser Commission reflects broader social and political changes in America during the late 1960s.
  • The establishment of the McGovern-Fraser Commission reflects significant social and political changes in America during the late 1960s, particularly movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and youth participation in politics. This period saw growing discontent with traditional political structures that excluded marginalized voices, leading to calls for reform within major political parties. The commission's creation was a direct response to these demands for inclusivity and equity in the electoral process, highlighting a shift towards recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives within American democracy.

Related terms

Superdelegate: A party leader or elected official who is given the privilege to support any candidate for the presidential nomination, regardless of the outcome of primaries or caucuses.

Closed Primary: A type of primary election where only registered party members can vote to select their party's candidate, limiting participation from outside the party.

Open Primary: A primary election in which voters can choose which party's primary to participate in, regardless of their own party affiliation.