The executive branch of the United States federal government is led by the president. The president serves a 4-year term with a maximum of two terms. Presidential elections have been held every four years, beginning in 1788. The next presidential election will be held in 2028.
Across the country, people vote for their preferred presidential candidate in a primary or caucus. The rules for these elections vary by location and political party. In general, primaries are similar to the general election process where voters cast secret ballots for their preferred choice, while caucus voting is a show of open support by raising hands or organizing into groups.
There are primaries and caucuses held for Democratic and Republican candidates in all 50 states, plus the following United States territories:
In addition, there is a global primary run by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party for Americans living outside the United States.
Delegates from each primary/caucus formally select their party's nominee at a national nominating convention. The nominating conventions generally occur in late summer.
