Question

What do less successful candidates for a party's nomination usually do before the national convention?
 
A. Drop out of the race and support the front-runner
B. Encourage party members to boycott the convention
C. Support the opposing party's leading candidate
D. Convince delegates to change their votes

Answer 1

The answer is A. They do this as a way of showing party unity.

Answer 2

The correct answer is "A".

Less successful candidates have historically supported the front runner from their party during the National Convention. This is a common public relations exercise in political parties, as the institution has to demonstrate a sense of unity towards the public. This exercise continues after the national convention and during the US general elections as the party focuses its efforts on making the front runner win the Presidency.