The document discusses the original process for electing the U.S. president established by the framers of the Constitution, how political parties emerged and changed this process, and the modern presidential nomination process. Originally, the framers intended electors to cast two votes for president and the top vote getter would win, with the runner up becoming vice president. However, the rise of political parties in the 1790s revealed flaws, leading to the 12th Amendment being passed in 1804 to have electors distinctly vote for president and vice president. Now, the two major parties hold nominating conventions where delegates choose a presidential candidate based on primary elections and caucuses held by the states.