When the convention assembles for the second session, the first business is the report of the credential committee.
In deciding contested seats, the committee on credentials gives each side a chance to present its claims, and then decides between them, generally in favor of the regular delegates, those endorsed by the state and the district committee.
Two full contesting delegations from the same state, sometimes seats are given to both, each delegate being entitled to one-half vote.
After the credential committee arrives at a decision concerning contested seats, its report including a list arranged by the states of all delegates entitled to seats is usually accepted by the convention with very little debate.
Then the committee on organization make their report, which consists of a list of permanent officers of the convention—previously arranged to some extent by the national committee. (This report is usually arranged beforehand and therefore adopted without much trouble, if any.) A committee is appointed to escort the permanent chairman to the platform, who usually delivers a speech on the issues of the coming campaign.
The chair calls for the committee on rules first, for their report.
Two rules of great importance in a Democratic Convention are: First—A rule requiring for the nomination of candidates two-thirds of the whole number of votes in the convention. The Republican requires only a majority.
Second Rule—The so-called unit rule under which a majority of each state delegation is allowed to cast the entire vote to which the state is entitled even against the protest of a minority of the delegation. These two rules are strictly adhered to in the Democratic party only.
While waiting on the resolution committee's report, miscellaneous business is disposed of, such as the election of national committees and of committees on notification. Such committees usually consist of one delegate from each state and territory, the members being designated by the respective delegations.
About the third day the resolution committee is ready to report the platform.