In the United States,there are many political parties. But two are very powerful .They are the Republican Party and the Democratic Party . About two years before the presidential election ,members of both parties start running for president. They want to be their party's presidential nominee . The raise money and travel around the country giving speeches .Every four years,the U.S. elects a president . In an election year ,every state has either a primary or a caucus . This is where they elect delegates . The candidates want to get as many delegates as possible .New Hampshire has the first primary in the country . Iowa has the first caucus .As the states hold their primaries and has enough delegates ,he or she becomes the party's nominee. In July or August , both parties have conventions .They officially nominate their presidential and vice presidential candidates there .Then,the race for president really begins .The candidates for both parties visit many states. They give speeches . They try to win voters.On the first Tuesday in November ,the American voters decide who the next president will be.