Critical Analysis

1. The 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) will be held in Chicago, IL and the 2024 Republican National Convention (RNC) will be held in Milwaukee, WI (whoot, whoot). According to the data from the visual above, since 1960, what U.S. city has been the home to the most national political party conventions?

2. According to the data from the visual above, between 2012 and 2020 what kind of state hosted every national political party convention?

3. Why do you think that is?

4. By all accounts, the race for the 2024 Democratic National Convention was down to Atlanta versus Chicago. Electorally, it seemed like an obvious choice: Atlanta is in an emerging swing state, while Chicago is in a state that Democrats will almost certainly win in 2024. But then, last week, the Democratic Party announced that Chicago would host next August’s confab. To some Democrats, it seemed to be a missed opportunity — especially since Republicans will hold their convention in Milwaukee, the biggest city in a classic battleground state. Based on your knowledge of American politics and the chart below* respond to the following claim: It probably won’t matter where either party holds its 2024 presidential nominating convention.

5. In your opinion, what is the most important American city that has never had a convention? (Pro-tip: Orlando is not really that important).

6. Identify the emoji in the visual above that you think is least representative of that city and explain which emoji you would put in its place and which emoji best represents the place where you live!

7. Why do we have national political party conventions, and what happens at national political conventions anyway?

8. Now that you have read, internalized, memorized Federalist No. 10, and have become a national expert on James Madison (163 centimeters tall - five foot four inches) and his feelings towards factions, explain what Madison (“Mr. Factions!”) would have thought about party conventions.

9. If you were the head of the Democratic National Party explain where you would hold the 2028 convention, and if you were the head of the Republican National Party explain where you would hold the 2028 convention. (Pro tip: you’re not).

10. Based on the visuals below*, make a claim about whether conventions actually make an electoral difference.

Visual Extension*

Learning Extension

Listen to this insane Here and Now report. *Warning: Graphic language. The following NPR report may not be suitable for all listeners.

Action Extension

Did you know that mere mortals like you can attend a national party convention?!?! Contact your favorite political party and ask them what you need to do to attend the 2024 national party convention. You might just be surprised by what you learn. Share their response in class or online.