Types of Deals Made in a Brokered Convention

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 102 views

A brokered convention is a type of national convention in a political party where no candidate has secured a majority of the delegates' votes on the first ballot. In such a scenario, deals and negotiations are made among the delegates to choose a single candidate who can win the majority of the votes in subsequent ballots. This process can be complex and often involves a lot of horse-trading and compromise among the delegates.

What is a Brokered Convention?

A brokered convention is a type of national convention where the delegates are not bound to vote for a specific candidate. This means that they have the freedom to vote for any candidate they choose, as long as they are not bound by a prior agreement or a specific rule. In a brokered convention, the delegates will often engage in negotiations and deal-making to try to secure the nomination for their preferred candidate.

How Does a Brokered Convention Work?

In a brokered convention, the delegates will typically hold a series of ballots to try to determine which candidate will receive the majority of the votes. On each ballot, the delegates will vote for their preferred candidate, and the candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner. However, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes on the first ballot, the delegates will often engage in negotiations and deal-making to try to secure the nomination for their preferred candidate.

Types of Deals Made in a Brokered Convention

In a brokered convention, the delegates may make a variety of deals to try to secure the nomination for their preferred candidate. Some common types of deals made in a brokered convention include:

Pledge deals: In a pledge deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession.
Faithless elector deals: In a faithless elector deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession, even if it means going against the wishes of their home state or district.
Superdelegate deals: In a superdelegate deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession, even if it means going against the wishes of their home state or district.

Examples of Brokered Conventions

There have been several examples of brokered conventions in American history. Some notable examples include:

The 1968 Democratic National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.
The 1976 Republican National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.
The 1980 Democratic National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.

The Pros and Cons of a Brokered Convention

A brokered convention can have both positive and negative consequences. Some of the pros of a brokered convention include:

Increased voter turnout: A brokered convention can increase voter turnout, as voters are more likely to be engaged in the process when there is a sense of uncertainty and competition.
More diverse candidate pool: A brokered convention can lead to a more diverse candidate pool, as delegates are more likely to consider a wider range of candidates.
More representative outcome: A brokered convention can lead to a more representative outcome, as delegates are more likely to consider the views and preferences of their constituents.

However, a brokered convention can also have negative consequences, including:

Increased polarization: A brokered convention can increase polarization, as delegates are more likely to engage in negative and divisive rhetoric.
Decreased voter trust: A brokered convention can decrease voter trust, as voters may feel that the process is unfair or undemocratic.
Increased risk of scandal: A brokered convention can increase the risk of scandal, as delegates may engage in unethical or illegal behavior in order to secure the nomination.

Conclusion

A brokered convention is a type of national convention where no candidate has secured a majority of the delegates' votes on the first ballot. In such a scenario, deals and negotiations are made among the delegates to choose a single candidate who can win the majority of the votes in subsequent ballots. While a brokered convention can have both positive and negative consequences, it can also lead to a more diverse candidate pool and a more representative outcome.

References

The Brookings Institution: "The Brokered Convention: A Guide to the Process"
The Washington Post: "The Brokered Convention: What It Is and How It Works"
The New York Times: "The Brokered Convention: A Look at the History and the Pros and Cons"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a brokered convention? A: A brokered convention is a type of national convention where no candidate has secured a majority of the delegates' votes on the first ballot.
Q: How does a brokered convention work? A: In a brokered convention, the delegates will typically hold a series of ballots to try to determine which candidate will receive the majority of the votes.
Q: What types of deals are made in a brokered convention? A: In a brokered convention, the delegates may make a variety of deals, including pledge deals, faithless elector deals, and superdelegate deals.
Q: What are the pros and cons of a brokered convention? A: A brokered convention can have both positive and negative consequences, including increased voter turnout, a more diverse candidate pool, and a more representative outcome, as well as increased polarization, decreased voter trust, and increased risk of scandal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brokered Conventions =====================================================

A brokered convention is a complex and often contentious process, and many people have questions about how it works and what it means for the candidates and the party. Here are some frequently asked questions about brokered conventions:

Q: What is a brokered convention?

A: A brokered convention is a type of national convention where no candidate has secured a majority of the delegates' votes on the first ballot. In such a scenario, deals and negotiations are made among the delegates to choose a single candidate who can win the majority of the votes in subsequent ballots.

Q: How does a brokered convention work?

A: In a brokered convention, the delegates will typically hold a series of ballots to try to determine which candidate will receive the majority of the votes. On each ballot, the delegates will vote for their preferred candidate, and the candidate with the most votes will be declared the winner. However, if no candidate receives a majority of the votes on the first ballot, the delegates will often engage in negotiations and deal-making to try to secure the nomination for their preferred candidate.

Q: What types of deals are made in a brokered convention?

A: In a brokered convention, the delegates may make a variety of deals, including:

Pledge deals: In a pledge deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession.
Faithless elector deals: In a faithless elector deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession, even if it means going against the wishes of their home state or district.
Superdelegate deals: In a superdelegate deal, a delegate agrees to vote for a specific candidate in exchange for a promise of support or a specific concession, even if it means going against the wishes of their home state or district.

Q: What are the pros and cons of a brokered convention?

A: A brokered convention can have both positive and negative consequences, including:

Increased voter turnout: A brokered convention can increase voter turnout, as voters are more likely to be engaged in the process when there is a sense of uncertainty and competition.
More diverse candidate pool: A brokered convention can lead to a more diverse candidate pool, as delegates are more likely to consider a wider range of candidates.
More representative outcome: A brokered convention can lead to a more representative outcome, as delegates are more likely to consider the views and preferences of their constituents.

However, a brokered convention can also have negative consequences, including:

Increased polarization: A brokered convention can increase polarization, as delegates are more likely to engage in negative and divisive rhetoric.
Decreased voter trust: A brokered convention can decrease voter trust, as voters may feel that the process is unfair or undemocratic.
Increased risk of scandal: A brokered convention can increase the risk of scandal, as delegates may engage in unethical or illegal behavior in order to secure the nomination.

Q: What are some examples of brokered conventions?

A: There have been several examples of brokered conventions in American history, including:

The 1968 Democratic National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.
The 1976 Republican National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.
The 1980 Democratic National Convention: In this convention, the delegates were unable to agree on a candidate, and a brokered convention was held to try to determine which candidate would receive the nomination.

Q: How can I stay informed about brokered conventions?

A: There are several ways to stay informed about brokered conventions, including:

Following news coverage: Keep up with news coverage of the convention and the candidates, and pay attention to any developments or changes in the delegate count.
Following social media: Follow the candidates and delegates on social media to stay up-to-date on their campaigns and any developments in the convention.
Attending the convention: If possible, attend the convention in person to get a firsthand look at the process and the candidates.

Q: What can I do to participate in a brokered convention?

A: There are several ways to participate in a brokered convention, including:

Volunteering for a campaign: Volunteer for a campaign to help get out the vote and support your preferred candidate.
Attending delegate selection events: Attend delegate selection events to meet the delegates and learn more about the process.
Contacting your delegate: Contact your delegate to express your opinions and preferences, and to ask them to support your preferred candidate.

Q: What are some common misconceptions about brokered conventions?

A: There are several common misconceptions about brokered conventions, including:

Myth: Brokered conventions are always contentious and divisive. Reality: While brokered conventions can be contentious and divisive, they can also be a positive and inclusive process.
Myth: Brokered conventions are always unfair or undemocratic. Reality: While brokered conventions can be complex and challenging, they are a legitimate and democratic process.
Myth: Brokered conventions are always a bad thing. Reality: Brokered conventions can be a positive and beneficial process, leading to a more diverse candidate pool and a more representative outcome.