What is one of the primary functions of a political convention?

One of the primary functions of a political convention is to adopt rules governing the party. Political conventions serve as a platform where party members gather to discuss and set the rules that will guide their operations, from the nomination process to the conduct of future party activities. This includes establishing procedures for selecting delegates, determining how the party will organize itself, and establishing guidelines for the party's policies and platform.

The importance of this function cannot be overstated. By adopting these rules, the party ensures a level of consistency and fairness in how it operates, and it gives party members a voice in shaping their governance structure. This also sets the stage for how effectively the party can mobilize support for their candidates during elections.

In contrast, the selection of the president's cabinet, conducting a national census, and holding debates between candidates are not primary functions of political conventions. The cabinet is typically appointed by the president after an election, the national census is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, and debates are usually held separately as part of the election campaign process rather than within the convention itself.