The earliest method of nominating a candidate for political office was known as a caucus or convention
caucus :)
General election
primary election
caucus
A closed-vote primary (restricted to party members)
Whigs
Anti-Masonic Party
The nominating method that is oldest is the 'self-announcement.' This is when the candidate announces his or her intention to run for an elected office.
national conventions
The Anti-Masonic party
They have a Primary.
This change rather gradually evolved- starting in 1828 when Jackson was elected. It expanded in 1832 and 1836 and 1840 was a national campaign for sure.