Social Sciences and History / Unit 9 SSH 0821 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Realignment and the Critical Election
Captions available
The idea
A party realignment is a shifting of alliances within the electorate; a critical election is one that marks a sudden, clear, long-term shift in voter allegiances. Reapportionment reallocates House seats among states; redistricting redraws the maps.
In practice
A safe seat drawn so one party wins comfortably.
Where people slip
Realignment is gradual; a critical election is a marker.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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