Nomination Process, Presidential

WINNING THE PRESIDENCY requires a majority in the Electoral College, but the U.S. Constitution does not dictate whom electors of the various states should consider. Since George Washington's presidency, informal coalitions and, later, political parties coordinated their efforts by nominating candidates for the general election. The nominating process has evolved over time, becoming less centralized, more participatory, and, arguably, more democratic. The matter of nominations was not an issue for George Washington, who was selected by unanimous acclamation. After Washington, however, factions emerged to contest the election.

Presidential nominations were made by the congressional king caucus, in which factions of legislators in the nation's capitol nominated candidates and coordinated campaign efforts in their respective states. The congressional caucus, however, was problematic for several reasons. One, it violated the constitutional principle of separation of powers, as legislators determined who could become president. Two, the system created a void in geographic areas represented by a legislator of the other party. This system collapsed in 1824, when different factions in Congress nominated four candidates in different sections of the country, none of whom gained a majority in the Electoral College.