Presidential elections are indirect through Electoral College. Electors cast votes for president and vice president. Winner needs 270 electoral votes to win. House elects president if no candidate gets majority. Senate elects vice president if no candidate gets majority
Political parties emerged in response to various social and economic issues. Founding Fathers debated factions during 1787 Constitutional Convention. Democratic-Republicans and Federalists formed first major parties in 1796. Parties evolved from conservative to progressive over 20th century
Primary events began in Iowa on January 15, 2024. Final primary events took place in US Virgin Islands and Guam on June 8, 2024. General election occurred on November 5, 2024. States had until December 11, 2024 to certify their electors. Electoral College met on December 17, 2024
George W. Bush won Republican nomination, selecting Dick Cheney as vice president. Al Gore secured Democratic nomination, choosing Joe Lieberman as vice president. Both candidates focused on domestic issues and foreign policy. Gore avoided campaigning with Clinton due to impeachment scandal
Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush won a landslide victory. Reagan received 525 electoral votes, Mondale 13, and won 49 states. Reagan became the oldest president to win at age 73
Kennedy defeated Nixon in a close election with 303 electoral votes. First election with 50 states participating, including Alaska and Hawaii. Kennedy became youngest president at 43 years and 5 months. First election where incumbent president couldn't run for third term