Question

question 7 of 10

what was the outcome of the election of 1976?

a. gerald ford won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to jimmy carter.
b. jimmy carter won both the popular and electoral vote to defeat gerald ford.
c. jimmy carter won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to gerald ford.
d. gerald ford won both the popular and electoral vote to defeat jimmy carter.

Explanation:

Analyze the 1976 election context

Using the Carter Presidency knowledge point, we examine the political landscape of 1976. Following the Watergate scandal and the resignation of Richard Nixon, the incumbent Republican President Gerald Ford faced public skepticism. The Democratic nominee, Jimmy Carter, campaigned as a Washington outsider promising honesty and reform.

Evaluate the election results

In the November 1976 election, Jimmy Carter secured a close victory. He won the popular vote by approximately 50.1% to Ford's 48.0%, and won the Electoral College with 297 electoral votes to Ford's 240.

Match with the options

• Option A is incorrect because Ford did not win the popular vote.
• Option B is correct because Carter won both the popular and electoral votes.
• Option C is incorrect because Carter won the electoral vote to secure the presidency.
• Option D is incorrect because Ford lost the election.

Answer:

• (A) Gerald Ford won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to Jimmy Carter.
• (B) Jimmy Carter won both the popular and electoral vote to defeat Gerald Ford. (Correct answer)
• (C) Jimmy Carter won the popular vote but lost the electoral vote to Gerald Ford.
• (D) Gerald Ford won both the popular and electoral vote to defeat Jimmy Carter.