A Matter of Choice: Reform of the National Nominating Convention

Abstract

"Within the limits of American institutions," Gerald Pomper writes, "the parties have evolved a functional nominating system." [1] In the course of this paper, there has been an analysis of the evolution of this system, beginning with the national conventions of 1832 and concluding with the latest reforms of 1976. In order to complete my task, I must turn my attention to the future. However, I do not propose to predict the further changes of either the Democrats or Republicans. Rather, I intend to suggest additional reforms which need to be made if the national convention is to remain a viable method of selecting this country's presidential candidates. These suggestions arise from a hope to eliminate several deficiencies which still exist in the presidential nominating system. At present, there are several conditions which detract from the process leading up to and including the national convention. While the reforms of the past several years, especially a majority of those instituted by the Democrats, have gone a long way in improving the state of our current system, there is still work which needs to be done. Changes are needed in order to contribute to the democratic nature of the system, as well as its efficiency and equality. These standards apply both to the process prior to the convention and the convention itself. Not only must the national convention perform its functional duties ascribed to it by the parties, but it must perform them in such a way as to conform to the expectations and requirements of American society. [From concluding section]