Final answer:
Front-loading is the practice of states scheduling their presidential primaries or caucuses early in the election season to increase political influence. This has been a tactic since the 1976 presidential election, with notable instances such as the 2008 primaries where states moved their elections earlier than party guidelines suggested.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process known as front-loading refers to the practice by states of scheduling their presidential primary elections or caucuses early in the election season. This can often be a strategic move to increase their influence in the nomination process. States like California, Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin sometimes feel the urge to hold their primaries early because doing so can increase their political clout; candidates tend to focus more on states that vote earlier and results from early primaries often affect the momentum of the campaigns. For example, in 2008, several states disregarded national party guidelines and scheduled their primaries for the first week of February. States have been engaging in front-loading since the 1976 presidential election, with the issue gaining prominence in the 1992 election and beyond.