Primaries and caucuses are some of the first steps to becoming the president of the United States. Candidates who've announced their intention to run for this important office first have to convince members of their political party that they deserve a nomination. Primaries and caucuses help political parties choose their official party candidate. Readers will learn about the history of and key parts and processes associated with American primaries and caucuses. Primary sources and informative fact boxes give historical context to these important events in the journey to becoming the president of the United States.