Definition of Caucus
Although the exact origin of the word is still unknown, it is often said that caucus comes from “cau´-cau-as´u”—the Algonquin word for "counsel." The term probably introduced into political usage in the United States through the Democratic Party in New York known as Tammany Hall, an organization which commonly adopted Native American terms to suit their own purposes. However, there are also some people who attribute the term to the Latin word “caucus” that means “drinking vessel.” These people say the phrase was first used to describe political activity by the Caucus Club of Boston.
In the United States, the term caucus is often used in reference to the procedure some states use to select their presidential nominees. Among these events, the Iowa caucuses generally receive the most media attention because of their timing. Since 1972, the Iowa caucuses have been the first major electoral event in the long process of nominating Republication and Democratic presidential candidates. Even though Iowa is a small state, the results of the Iowa caucuses are considered to be an important test of a candidate’s strength in the presidential race.
Another, although less common, definition of caucus is as a description of a sub-grouping of elected government officials who plan meetings to affect public policy. These groups often share a common interest, such as a shared ethnicity or political faction. The Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus are two of the most well known caucuses of this type.
If you wish to learn more about how caucuses are used as a part of political activity within the United States, yourDictionary recommends visiting the following helpful resources:
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