The Importance and function of Party Caucuses

“Caucuses play an important role in the Democratic Party, both nationally and in South Carolina. Caucuses unite people with a common interest, so that they may more effectively advocate for that interest. Caucuses identify issues, raise awareness of those issues, and promote their importance. Those issues may become part of the national and state party platforms, thereby committing the party to work on their behalf. Caucuses give voice to individuals and communities who have traditionally been disenfranchised and disadvantaged within the political system.” Caucuses within a political organization exist to advocate, agitate, and lobby.  As such caucuses must be free to operate according to the dictates of their membership and their collective conscience. It is only in this way that caucuses can truly be the conscience of the political organization of which they are a part.  Caucuses, therefore, must be independent. Their reason for existence absolutely requires it.