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A History of U.S. Presidential Primaries: 1912-64

By Bob Benenson and CQ Politics Editor
Posted December 25, 2007 at 1:00am

When it comes to electing the president, the modern campaign era has its roots 95 years ago when North Dakota held the first presidential primary. CQ Politics looks back and charts for you, election by election, how this process grew over the last century into the long and sprawling campaigns that have become part of the political landscape. This first in a series covers 1912-64.
1912 (March 19):
1920 (March 9):
1932:
1944:
1948:
1952 (March 11):
1960:
1964:
Part Two: 1968-72
Part Three: 1976-84
Part Four: 1988
Part Five: 1992
Part Six: 1996
Part Seven: 2000
Part Eight: 2004

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