Final answer:
Parties use nominating conventions to formally select their candidates for various offices, with delegates from states casting votes reflecting the results of primaries and caucuses.
The national convention is where the presidential and vice-presidential nominees are officially declared and party platforms are debated and set.
Step-by-step explanation:
The national convention is a multi-day event, often during the summer, where party delegates officially nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, celebrate the party's values, and rally support for the general election campaign. This process includes public voting at primaries and party member discussions at caucuses, with delegates at national conventions ultimately confirming the candidates in a public and formal setting.
Each presidential candidate at the convention chooses a running mate to become the vice-presidential nominee. State parties may run a caucus or a primary to determine their preferred candidate, who then receives the majority of delegate support.
Over time, primaries have become more prominent, eclipsing the once-dominant influence of party leaders at national conventions. These conventions not only determine nominees but also set the party platform, engage in rule-making, and serve as grand spectacles that capture national attention.
Moreover, the national party organizations coordinate these events, which are critical for elevating the party's public profile and setting the stage for the general election season.