Direct Primary
A process by which voters can nominate candidates
Real World Example
During the Progressive Era, the direct primary was introduced to give more power to the people by allowing them to choose political candidates, rather than having party leaders make those decisions. This shift highlighted the tension between political elites and ordinary citizens, emphasizing the importance of democratic participation and transparency in politics. Today, these ideas still matter as they encourage voter involvement and influence in political processes. For example, when people vote in primaries, they have a direct say in which candidates will run in general elections, impacting policies that affect their daily lives, like healthcare or education. This system empowers individuals to shape the political landscape and ensures that leaders are accountable to the public.
