How a party writes its platform every four years ahead of convention

Although less important than it once was, every four years, both Republicans and Democrats gather within their parties to write up their party platforms for the next four years.

The party platform dates back to the 1800s and serves as a way for those within the party, from national to local politicians, to navigate political conversations and policy ideas. In a process between party leaders, interest groups, and others, there can be much back and forth before a platform gets adopted by the party for the next four years. In 2020, however, Republicans did not adopt a new platform and decided to reinstate the 2016 platform instead.