[Jack_]

I was in the same position as you until a few weeks ago, but have self-taught myself all the necessary elements and think I have a fairly decent understanding now.

I would recommend these sites:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35356941

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35350890

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15764542

Primaries are actual votes within states to elect leaders of a party, while caucuses are meetings and votes are counted by a show of hands.

The GOP stands for 'grand old party' which is the Republicans