Before public conventions started, how were nominees for the presidency selected?

in closed meetings, by a small group of privileged citizens

Correct

in closed meetings, by a small group of privileged citizens

The small group where the presidential candidate was selected before the public conventions began was made up of white adults with a certain level of wealth and power. The reason why this system did not work is because people did not have a voice to choose from and the presidential candidate had greater dependence on Congress.

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