what is a party caucus

A party caucus is a meeting or grouping of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement. The exact definition of a caucus varies between different countries and political cultures. In the United States, a party caucus can have several distinct but related meanings. Members of a political party or subgroup may meet to coordinate members actions, choose group policy, or nominate candidates for various offices. In the US Presidential election procedure, a few states use primaries and caucuses. Each individual state is allowed to choose whether it wants to conduct a primary or a caucus - some states even do both. Caucuses do not directly select a Presidential candidate, but rather delegates who are then “pledged” to vote for a particular candidate at the partys national convention. The party caucus or conference traditionally establishes party committees with specialized functions. Party committees generally nominate party members to serve on the various committees of the House, subject to the approval by the caucus or conference. Party policy committees generally discuss party positions on pending legislation. Majority party steering committees generally plan the schedule of Chamber action on pending legislation. Party research committees conduct studies on broad policy questions, generally before committees of the House begin action on legislation. Party campaign committees provide research and strategy assistance to party candidates for election to the House.