Party primaries are primarily held to select the party's candidates who will represent the party in general elections for various public offices.

Ranked-choice primary is a voting system used in general elections, not in party primaries.

Open primaries allow voters to participate in the primary of any party, regardless of their party affiliation, giving them more flexibility and choice in the selection of candidates.

Closed primaries prevent crossover voting, where voters from one party participate in the primary of another party, ensuring that only party members can vote in the selection of their party's candidates.

Semi-closed primaries allow voters to participate in the primary of their own party or a different party, but only if they meet certain requirements, such as declaring their party affiliation or registering as an independent.

Party primaries have a significant impact on the political agenda as they influence the positions and policies adopted by the party, determine the party's platform for the general election, and shape the ideological direction of the party.

Party primaries can contribute to the polarization of the political landscape by encouraging candidates to adopt extreme positions to appeal to their party's base, making it difficult for moderate candidates to win, and leading to the selection of candidates who are more ideologically aligned with their party's base.

Party primaries have been criticized for being too expensive, undemocratic, and leading to the selection of extreme candidates.

There are various proposals for reforming party primaries, including adopting ranked-choice voting, eliminating closed primaries, and using proportional representation to select delegates.

Party primaries have a significant impact on the general election as they determine the candidates who will run, influence the issues and policies that will be debated, and shape the tone and tenor of the general election campaign.

Party leaders play an active role in party primaries by endorsing candidates, raising funds for candidates, and campaigning for candidates.

The impact of party primaries on voter turnout is unclear as some studies suggest that they can increase voter turnout in the general election, while others suggest that they can decrease voter turnout.

Party primaries face a number of challenges, including being often dominated by special interests, being too expensive, and leading to the selection of extreme candidates.

Party primaries contribute to the accountability of elected officials by allowing voters to hold elected officials accountable for their actions, providing a mechanism for voters to remove elected officials from office, and encouraging elected officials to be responsive to the needs of their constituents.

The future of party primaries is uncertain as there are ongoing debates about their role, challenges, and potential reforms, making it difficult to predict their future.