Primaries tend to offer tests of candidates' popular appeal, while caucuses testify to their ability to ________.

• A. Form alliances with political parties
• B. Mobilize and organize grassroots support
• C. Fundraise effectively
• D. Win endorsements from labor unions

Answer: (B)

Caucuses test a candidate's ability to mobilize and organize grassroots support. In caucus settings, participation is active and local: supporters must attend meetings, persuade others, and help turnout their group on caucus night. That requires strong ground-level organization and a loyal, engaged base, which is exactly what the option describes. Primaries, by contrast, focus more on broad popular appeal across a larger electorate, since they are easier for a wider segment of voters to participate in. The other choices relate more to external signaling or resources (alliances with the party, fundraising, or endorsements) and that’s not what caucuses primarily measure.