The commission, formed in the aftermath of the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention, aimed to reform the presidential nomination process. Its primary goal was to increase the representation of minority groups, women, and young people in the selection of presidential candidates. This involved shifting power away from party elites and toward rank-and-file party members through mechanisms like primaries and caucuses.
This reform effort holds significant importance in understanding the evolution of American political parties and presidential elections. By democratizing the nomination process, it led to a more participatory system. The resulting changes profoundly altered the balance of power within political parties and contributed to the rise of candidate-centered campaigns. Historically, the reforms represented a departure from the smoke-filled rooms of party bosses and ushered in an era of greater grassroots involvement.
