Kennedy Van Komen

Natalie Mailander

Shayla Nham

Part 1

In the year of 1972, the Iowa Caucus became the first major electoral event for

the nomination process for the president of the United States. Most presidents that have

won the election also placed in the top 3 of the Iowa Caucus (“The History of the Iowa

Caucuses | Caucus Iowa Media Gallery Grades: 6-12 Collection: The History of the Iowa

Caucuses”). Ever since that year, this major event has put candidates to the test on what

they can do to create the most popular campaign that will draw the most people towards

their political party, ultimately giving them the most support for the nomination. During

this event, candidates are asked tough questions about heavy topics and issues, which

helps establish the party’s political positions (“The History of the Iowa Caucuses |

Caucus Iowa Media Gallery Grades: 6-12 Collection: The History of the Iowa

Caucuses”). The difference between this event and primary elections is the fact that in

primaries, voters of each party nominate candidates for office. A voter goes to a poll and

casts their ballot for who they want as their candidate in the main general election.

Primaries are essentially much simpler, as you just show up and check a box who you

would like to elect, opposed to a caucus that can take hours, sitting in a venue, listening

to various different candidates debate issues. Caucuses require that you go to these

meetings in order to participate in the nominating process. The Iowa caucus can be one

of the most important nights of a nominee’s election, as it could help set them ahead of

all of the other candidates if you do well. In comparison, it can also be the very place

where you crash and burn (“What’s The Difference Between “Caucus” vs. “Primary”?”).

Kathy O'Bradovich, political columnist for the Des Moines Register, says that Iowa is

important because it’s first. They are first because they have more complex processes
 such as county conventions, district conventions, followed by a state convention. This

causes them to need to start earlier. (Sanders)

Sources

“The History of the Iowa Caucuses | Caucus Iowa Media Gallery Grades: 6-12 Collection: The

History of the Iowa Caucuses.” PBSlearningmedia.org, The History of the Iowa Caucuses |

Caucus Iowa Media Gallery Grades: 6-12 Collection: The History of the Iowa Caucuses.

Sanders, Sam. “Why Does Iowa Vote First, Anyway?” npr.org, 29th January 2016, Why Does

Iowa Vote First, Anyway? : NPR. Accessed 23rd February 2021.

“What’s The Difference Between “Caucus” vs. “Primary”?” Dictionary.com, What's The

Difference Between "Caucus" vs. "Primary"? - Dictionary.com.