There was a time when American political parties used their conventions to determine their nominee--often with ugly floor fights and backroom lobbying. Throughout most convention history, the messy business of democracy was worked out right on the floor. Rather than hoisting placards and releasing balloons on command, delegates debated, bargained with their votes, marched out in protest, and staged all-out brawls for control of the parties and their platforms. But today’s conventions are finely choreographed spectacles designed to coronate the nominee, and staged to look good on television. The less controversy, the better. Here, a look at the nearly two-century evolution of the American political convention.
