Every four years, the Iowa caucus marks the start of 11 months of campaigning to decide who is the next president of the United States of America. This year sees a new system in place for the Democrat caucus whilst over on the Republican side, GOP candidates scrap with the presence of former US president Donald Trump behind them. But what is a caucus? How does it differ from an election primary and why does the state of Iowa get to go first? This is Decomplicated. Check out Decomplicated on Independent TV, across desktop, mobile, and connected TV. Watch more on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/editors-picks Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: null Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com/ Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB #IndyTV #news #decomplicated #donaldtrump #republican #democrat #iowa #uselections #uselection2024 #election2024 #USpresident #joebiden #iowacaucus #explainer #caucusexplain #uspolitics