In the US, there are only two parties considered by most voters - the Democrats (the liberal party) and the Republicans (the conservative party).

Others, like the Libertarian, Green and Independent parties occasionally put forth a nominee.

• Four states voted in February.
• Most states and territories hold their primary elections or caucuses on 3 March (Super Tuesday.)
• We'll see primaries and caucuses across the country from February until June.
  
• US candidates can campaign...

A handful of states have caucuses instead of primaries. The parties run caucuses in precincts across the state.

Caucuses give parties more flexibility in determining the rules. In Democratic caucuses, votes are determined by standing in groups around a room.

• Red states are Republican bastions such as Idaho, Alaska, and many southern states.
• Blue states are Democrat-dominated states such as California, Illinois, and much of the New England region of the northeast coast.
• Swing states are states that can change h...

At present, presidential hopefuls are battling for their party's nomination in caucuses and primary elections across the country.

State governments run primary elections the same way as a general election.

If a candidate wins a primary election, they win either all or a proportion of...