Instead of a lecture in "civic responsibilities," how about a brief lesson in etymology?
The origin (or origins) of the term "caucus" puzzle the average etymologist. A bastardly, and decidedly word specific to "American" English, legend has it that the term first appeared in the diary of John Adams in 1763.
As to its origins, some conflicting (and many largely unsubstantiated) hypotheses:
--The Caucus Club of Boston - a gathering of men to discuss social and political events of the time. The name of the club itself was probably ripped from "kaukos," a Modern Greek term meaning "drinking cup," reflecting the club's additional purpose as an informal pub for its members.
--A twisting of the word "caulkers," in reference to a 1770 meeting held in one of Boston's shipbuilding districts. If John Adams did press pen to paper in 1763 and use the term, however, then perhaps this theory is nothing more than a Beer Hour Hypothesis.
--The Boston neighborhood of West-Corcus - Apparently, a true, raw, crisp Boston accent will pronounce it as "caucus."
--A popular myth states that "caucus" is really an acronym using the names of several famous American politicians from the eighteenth century: Cooper, Adams,Urann, Coulson, Urann, and Symmes. Few reputable etymologists take this theory (another Beer Hour Hypothesis) seriously.
--A markedly popular theory - Caucus is derived from caucauasu, which in the Algonquin dialect of Virginia roughly means "counselor."
Verdict: Obscure etymology for an obscure (and definitely "American") political process.
Today, at 10:00AM sharp, the Democratic Party for the State of Washington holds its caucus.
Do it. Unless you don't live in Washington. In which case, go back to bed.
Should be interesting for me, as I'm from a "closed primary" state like Illinois. And no, I still haven't completely decided who I'm going to caucus for. I'll be a last-minute swing voter, I suppose.