A caucus is a meeting where members of a political party or group gather to discuss issues, make decisions, or choose candidates. In American politics, some states hold caucuses instead of primary elections to select who will run for president. At a caucus, people don't just vote privately and leave. Instead, they meet in person, discuss the candidates, try to persuade each other, and openly show their support by standing in groups or raising their hands.

The word also describes organized groups within larger organizations. Congress has the Congressional Black Caucus, which brings together members who work on issues affecting African Americans. A school might have a teachers' caucus where educators meet to discuss policies. These groups let people with shared interests coordinate their efforts and speak with a unified voice.

The caucus system of choosing candidates can feel more personal than a regular election because neighbors talk face to face about their choices. However, caucuses require more time commitment than simply casting a ballot, which means fewer people typically participate. When you hear that a state “held a caucus” instead of holding a primary, it means voters gathered together for these longer, more interactive meetings rather than visiting polling places to vote privately.