How do today’s national conventions differ from those of 50 years ago?

Question

Ms. Sue · Accepted Answer

Fifty years ago there were no state primary elections. The party delegates met for several days in a national convention. Candidates, including many "favorite sons," were nominated from the floor. After lengthy sessions in what were called "smoke-filled" rooms, the candidates were narrowed down and elected by the convention delegates.

Today the candidates are usually the ones who won the most votes in primary elections.

Ms. Sue · Answer

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_nominating_convention#History

Reed · Answer

Actually, there were primaries 50 years ago, but not in as many states as now. Most delegates to the national conventions were chosen in state conventions. In 1960 the Wisconsin and West Virginia primaries did play a role in selecting the Democratic nominee.

Ms. Sue · Answer

Thanks, Reed. I was remembering the conventions, but didn't realize there were primaries. The first presidential election in which I could vote was in 1956. I sent a telegram to the Democratic Convention urging it to vote for Adlai Stevenson. The delegates didn't.