OVERVIEW
Every two years, political parties hold statewide conventions focused on unifying the party under a set of values, known as the party platform. While the National Convention focuses on nominating presidential candidates and is held every four years, state conventions are equally as important for endorsements and nominations for statewide candidates like governor or local candidates like state legislators.
This lesson focuses on the little known state conventions that showcase political parties’ and organizations’ support for statewide candidates. In Washington State, conventions happen before the Top Two Primary, signaling to the electorate who to vote for in the primary election. Additionally, state conventions cement the state party’s platform, which states their values and views on important issues of the day.
Students will view four mini-documentaries from the 2024 Election Season: Washington State Republican Party Convention, Washington State Democratic Party Convention, Washington State Labor Union Political Convention, and Mainstream Republican Cascade Conference. In this jigsawed activity, students will compare and contrast the conventions, determining who is involved in each event and investigating the candidates who were endorsed in statewide elections.
Essential Questions:
- To what extent do political parties represent the views of the electorate?
- How do political parties use their influence to shape who the candidates are?
- How are political conventions different from other endorsement conventions?
- Why should voters care about the primary election in Washington State?
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