The parties’ national conventions nominate presidential candidates, but they also let party leaders from across the country come together and develop their platforms. A party platform describes the organization’s principles and outlines political goals for the coming four years.

In 2008 Republicans want to ensure average party members who usually wouldn’t participate in the convention can help shape the party’s platform. In what the party calls “the most grassroots-driven platform development effort in the history of American politics,” Republicans can share their thoughts on what the party should stand for by visiting the Web site of the Republican Platform Committee.

Party members can let leaders know what they think about key issues through polls or by sharing their thoughts on such topics as education, the economy and national security by posting their own comments or YouTube videos.

According to the party, all comments and feedback will be reviewed before the convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, September 1 to 4.