PART 1

The Iowa Caucus started after the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests when

the Democratic party decided to make changes to their presidential nominating process. Iowa had

a complex process of precinct caucuses so in 1972 they were the first state to hold their

Democratic Caucus, and following four years later was the Republican Caucus. Rather than

going to the polls to vote, Iowans go to a set precinct to make their choice. Caucuses are held

every two years during the presidential and midterm elections. The rules of the caucus process is

determined entirely by the party which hold caucuses differently from each other.

Caucuses were once the most common way of choosing presidential nominees, now only

a handful of states rely solely on the caucus. The meetings are arranged by state or political

party. During the meetings participants openly show their support for candidates, by raising

hands or breaking into groups and you are only limited to the party of your affiliation. Primaries

are a direct process of selecting candidates. There are open and closed primaries where an open

primary you can vote for any party regardless of your political affiliation. In a closed primary,

voters may only vote for the party they are registered with.

Iowa is really important in determining who the major presidential nominees will be

often through the media, donors, voters in other states, and the candidates of course. It all

amplifies one another.The Iowa caucus usually does hint who could win nominations at

conventions but it also narrows down candidates. Even if the Iowa victor doesn’t win the

nomination in the end, it can shake up the presidential contest.