Question

question 7 of 10

president george h. w. bush lost the 1992 presidential election to bill clinton partly because bush:

a. delayed signing the americans with disabilities act.
b. pushed through several measures that increased inequality in the country.
c. raised taxes after promising not to do so.
d. supported several unpopular amendments to the clean air act.

Explanation:

Identify the key factors of the 1992 presidential election

During the 1988 Republican National Convention, George H. W. Bush famously pledged, "Read my lips: no new taxes." However, to address a growing federal budget deficit, he agreed to a budget compromise in 1990 that raised several taxes.

Evaluate the given options

• Option A is incorrect because Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990 without significant delay.
• Option B is incorrect as it is too broad and not a primary, widely cited political catalyst for his defeat.
• Option C is correct because breaking his "no new taxes" pledge alienated conservative voters and damaged his political credibility, contributing heavily to his loss to Bill Clinton.
• Option D is incorrect because the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 were generally viewed as a major bipartisan legislative achievement rather than an unpopular move that cost him the election.

Answer:

• (A) delayed signing the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• (B) pushed through several measures that increased inequality in the country.
• (C) raised taxes after promising not to do so. (Correct answer)
• (D) supported several unpopular amendments to the Clean Air Act.