<P> The United States is one of few countries to select candidates through popular vote in a primary election system ; most countries rely on party leaders to vote candidates , as was previously the case in the U.S. In modern politics , primary elections have been described as a significant vehicle for taking decision - making from political insiders to the voters , though this is disputed by select political science research . The selection of candidates for federal , state , and local general elections takes place in primary elections organized by the public administration for the general voting public to participate in for the purpose of nominating the respective parties ' official candidates ; state voters start the electoral process for governors and legislators through the primary process , as well as for many local officials from city councilors to county commissioners . The candidate who moves from the primary to be successful in the general election takes public office . </P>
<P> The United States is one of few countries to select candidates through popular vote in a primary election system ; most countries rely on party leaders to vote candidates , as was previously the case in the U.S. In modern politics , primary elections have been described as a significant vehicle for taking decision - making from political insiders to the voters , though this is disputed by select political science research . The selection of candidates for federal , state , and local general elections takes place in primary elections organized by the public administration for the general voting public to participate in for the purpose of nominating the respective parties ' official candidates ; state voters start the electoral process for governors and legislators through the primary process , as well as for many local officials from city councilors to county commissioners . The candidate who moves from the primary to be successful in the general election takes public office . </P>
what is the political system that the united states follows in regards to elections
what is the political system that the united states follows in regards to elections
a primary election system
a primary election system