NOTE: The following terms are used in this article. Look up the words for which you do not know the definitions:

• primary/primaries
• nominee/presumptive nominee
• nomination
• party leaders
• delegates
• super-delegates (Democrats only)
• pledged, bound and unbound delegates
• conventions

1. What problem do both Republican and Democratic leaders face regarding their parties’ nominees?

2. GOP stands for “Grand Old Party” - the nickname for the Republican party. How do you think GOP party leaders (as well as Democratic party leaders) could/should solve the problem?

3. How is it possible that a different candidate could be nominated as the Republican party’s nominee if Donald Trump wins the majority of votes?

4. How have the number of Democratic and Republican voters changed from the 2008 and 2012 primaries?

5. a) From para. 9: “Republican party leaders say that if no candidate wins a majority of delegates during the primaries, the national convention will follow long-established rules for finding a nominee who has majority support.” How do Republican voters differ from this position? Be specific.
b) What do you think about your party’s position on the primary/nomination process? (Agree, disagree) Explain your answer.
c) Ask a parent the same question.

6. Why specifically are Democrat Bernie Sanders’ supporters angered at the nominating process for their party?

7. From para. 16: “Some Democrats say super-delegates should be scrapped so that the process relies only on primary and caucus results.”
a) Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

8. From paragraphs 20 and 23:
Democratic pollster Peter D. Hart said, “[Voters are] saying, ‘I want a process that reflects me, not that controls me. I’ve voted; I’ve watched on TV; I’ve been part of it, and now you’re going to tell me that you’re going to run an inside game? Forget it.’”
A standoff with Donald Trump could not only cause a rift within the party but change the nominating process for future elections.”
a) Would this be a bad thing for the election process or a good thing? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

CHALLENGE: How many delegates does the candidate from each party need to win to secure his/her party’s nomination? How many does each currently have?