The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Republicans Look Ahead
Did you watch any of the Democratic National Convention last week? This week, Republicans are gathering in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Aug. 21-24. A planned celebration in Jacksonville, Florida, was canceled in late July because of concerns about COVID-19.
Let's learn more about the Republicans' plans.
Coming together
A political party (a group of people who have similar ideas about how our country should be run) holds a national meeting, called a convention, before a presidential election. At that meeting, representatives from each state, called delegates, announce which
candidate they have chosen to run for president. The candidate also may announce his or her choice for a running mate, who would become vice president if they are elected.
At the convention, members of the party also discuss the party's platform, or its ideas and goals about different issues facing the country.
The Republicans plan to hold party meetings and formally nominate President Donald J. Trump in Charlotte. Much of the party's business and activities may happen online, including events to celebrate President Trump's nomination.
Who's running?
President Trump is running for a second term as the leader of our country. Vice President Mike Pence is his running mate.
When a president competes for a second term, he is called an incumbent. According to the U.S. Constitution, presidents can serve for only two terms of four years each. If President Trump should win a second term, it will be his last as president.
About Charlotte
Charlotte is home to about 1 million people. It's the largest city in North Carolina.
Before settlement by Europeans, members of the Catawba tribe lived in the area. The city is nicknamed the Queen City after a German princess, Charlotte of Mecklenburg-strelitz.
Many banks are headquartered in Charlotte, along with other large companies and NASCAR.
Republican roots
In 1854, the modern Republican Party was founded in the northern states by people who were against slavery. (The Democratic Party was formed in the early 1830s.)
The first Republican convention was held in Philadelphia in June 1856. About 600 delegates attended the meeting, and about 100 newspaper reporters covered the events there.
The party nominated John C. Fremont, a U.S. senator from California, for president.