Final answer:
Florida was the first state to hold a direct presidential primary in 1901, and this method is still used in most states today.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a pivotal moment for democratic processes, Florida took the lead in 1901 as the first state to institute a direct presidential primary. This innovative system marked a departure from the convention of party insiders selecting candidates, allowing party members to directly vote for their preferred nominee. The candidate securing the highest number of votes would clinch the party's nomination.
Remarkably, this electoral paradigm, initiated in Florida, persists today in three-quarters of U.S. states. The direct primary system stands as a cornerstone of American political engagement, fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to candidate selection within the broader framework of the nation's electoral landscape.