Final answer:
The answer to the question is option 1, which states a party caucus is a meeting of local party members to choose delegates for the national convention. This process occurs during the nominating phase of the election cycle, and it is less formal than primaries, allowing for in-person debate and voting.
Step-by-step explanation:
A party caucus is a meeting of local party members who choose delegates for the national convention, which makes the correct answer to the question 1) local party members who choose delegates for the national convention. In these caucuses, members gather to discuss, debate, and ultimately vote for who they believe is the best candidate to represent their party in the general election. This process tends to be less formal and less expensive than primaries, using various voting methods such as dropping marbles in a jar or a show of hands. The delegates selected at the caucuses then go on to represent the local members’ choice at the party's state or national nominating convention.
The Iowa Caucus is an example where party voters physically group themselves to show support for their preferred candidate and have the opportunity to persuade others to their side. Although the caucus system allows for more visibility and potentially reduces the risk of fraud, it has been critiqued for requiring a significant time commitment and for potentially limiting the number of participants. Nonetheless, the caucus plays a crucial role in the nominating process of the United States' electoral system.