Elects the president based on state electoral votes, not popular vote.

Parties formally nominate their candidates after primaries and caucuses.

Open: Any registered voter can vote. Closed: Only registered party members can vote.

Primaries: Secret ballot elections. Caucuses: Community meetings, public discussion.

Pledged: Committed to a candidate. Super: Can support any candidate (unelected).

Pros: Ensures smaller states have a voice. Cons: Can lead to a president who didn't win the popular vote.

Period where potential candidates test the waters and build campaign infrastructure.

States that could vote either Democratic or Republican, crucial in elections.

The significant edge a sitting president has when running for reelection.

Any registered voter can vote in either party's primary.

Only registered party members can vote in their party's primary.

Party members meeting to discuss and vote for their preferred candidate.

Delegates committed to a specific candidate at a party convention.

Unelected party leaders (Democrats) who can support any candidate.

System where each state is allocated electoral votes based on its members in Congress.

Most states award all electoral votes to the popular vote winner in that state.