What is a brokered convention?

A brokered convention occurs when no single candidate secures a majority of delegates required for nomination during the primary elections, leading to delegates being unable to pledge their support to a specific candidate outright. In this scenario, delegates from various states converge at the convention, where they then negotiate and interact, ultimately selecting a nominee through a series of rounds of voting.

This process highlights the role of delegates in a convention setting when party loyalty and candidate support are pivotal. The fact that the selection process can involve multiple rounds of negotiation and potential shifts in support among delegates is essential in understanding the dynamic nature of brokered conventions.

The other options present misconceptions about how conventions operate. Public voting typically occurs in primaries, not at conventions. Incumbent support is not a defining characteristic of brokered conventions, as these events can involve multiple candidates regardless of their status as incumbents. Lastly, while local government issues are important to political discussions, conventions focus on selecting national party nominees rather than local matters.