At the beginning of each new Congress, which term do Democrats use for their special meetings to talk about party policy and select their leaders?

Democrats refer to their special meetings at the beginning of each new Congress as a caucus. This term is used to describe a gathering of party members to discuss policy issues, set legislative priorities, and elect party leaders. The caucus is a traditional mechanism within Congress that allows party members to strategize and unify on key matters before they engage with the broader legislative body.

The use of the term "caucus" emphasizes the informal and flexible nature of these meetings compared to more formal gatherings like conventions. In a caucus, party members can openly discuss various agenda items and have a chance to influence the direction of the party’s actions for the upcoming session. This process is essential for maintaining party cohesion and ensuring that all members are aligned on critical issues as they embark on their legislative work.