caucus

A caucus is a meeting of members of a political party or other group to coordinate policy, select delegates, or nominate candidates. The term can also refer to the group itself within a legislative body, consisting of members who share a common interest, ideology, or goal, and who work together to influence policy and leadership.

The exact origin of the word is uncertain. The term first appeared in American political usage in the 18th century to describe private political meetings. Today, caucus is used in many democracies to denote both a gathering of party members and a formal or informal group within a legislature.

In legislative contexts, a caucus is the informal organization of all members of a party in a parliament, often led by a chair or steering group. Caucuses help coordinate strategy, prepare policy proposals, influence committee assignments, and select or support party leadership.

In the United States, caucuses have two common meanings. A caucus can be a local meeting of voters to express preferences or nominate delegates for a party’s national convention, sometimes involving discussion and a vote. A primary, by contrast, is a statewide election in which voters cast ballots to select delegates or express preference for candidates.

Examples of caucuses include the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and the Freedom Caucus. Beyond national legislatures, caucuses may exist in state legislatures or among interest groups within a party, serving to advance shared goals and coordinate activities.