Democratic voters gather at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa to participate in the Iowa caucus.

Discussion Questions

1. What is a presidential caucus? How is it different from a primary? Why is the Iowa caucus significant?
2. Describe the atmosphere at this Democratic caucus site. Explain how the Democratic caucus works. Watch a clip of a Republican caucus site. What are the differences and similarities between the two caucuses?
3. What is "viability"? How does this affect the lower-tiered Democratic candidates? How does this affect the top-tiered Democratic candidates?
4. What was the outcome of the Democratic caucus in Iowa? Did any Democratic candidates drop out of the presidential race after this caucus? If yes, whom? Why do you think this happened?