If you mean Presidential primaries, they're a mix of both popular selection and insider selection. Parties always have a favored inside candidate, but they hav

If you mean Presidential primaries, they're a mix of both popular selection and insider selection. Parties always have a favored inside candidate, but they have to actually convince folks of the candidate. This happens a lot in American politics, especially at the local elections where we elect positions that are non-political. The governor appoints a Sheriff or Coroner, but they have to face an election in a few weeks.