Party Elites in the United States, 1976: Democratic National Convention Delegates

This data collection was designed to provide information on the personal and political backgrounds, political attitudes, and relevant behavior of party leaders. Data are presented on delegates to the 1976 Democratic National Convention. Questions focus on the "representativeness" of the party elites who were selected to go to the National Convention and also probe for the leaders' views on a number of important issues related to the "reform" era in the political party and for their opinions on what a national party is and should be. The representation of minorities and females in the process received particular attention as did a comparison of the views of the party professionals. Specific variables include characterization of the respondent's political beliefs on the liberal-conservative scale, length of time the respondent had been active in the Democratic party, and the respondent's positions on party unity, party loyalty, the Campaign Finance Law, the primary system, and directions the party might take in the future. In addition, data are provided on the respondent's views toward certain provisions of the party's Charter. Demographic characteristics are supplied as well.