Caucus

Caucus Definition

A caucus refers to a formal meeting of members belonging to a political party, convened for the specific purpose of making decisions regarding policy or nominating individuals for public office. Beyond denoting the assembly itself, the term is also employed metaphorically to describe the collective membership, often signifying a subordinate group within a larger organisation.

Function and Purpose

The primary function of a caucus is deliberative; it serves as an internal mechanism through which political parties coordinate strategy, establish platforms, and select candidates for electoral positions. This process involves the collective agreement or nomination of party direction.

Usage

In political contexts, the term describes both the gathering of individuals involved in party politics and the group dynamic of those individuals themselves, emphasising their status as a defined unit within the broader political structure.