But the National nominating convention,
as we know it, was used for the first time by the Anti-Masonic
party, which selected William Wirt for its candidate in 1831. This
method was followed in the same year by the National Republican
party, which nominated Henry Clay. The National convention of the
Democratic party in 1832 nominated Andrew Jackson, who had already
been nominated by many local conventions and State legislatures.
Many years elapsed before the present complex organization was
reached, but since 1836, with the single exception of the Whig
party in that year, parties have regarded the National convention
as an essential factor in electing President and Vice-President.
Prior to the nominations for the Presidency in 1912, the usual plan
was to select two delegates to the National convention from each of
the Congressional districts, and also four delegates at large. The
district delegates were chosen in the district conventions of the
different parties, and the delegates at large in State conventions.
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