Question

although the u.s. has had a two - party system for most of its history, the balance of power between the parties has changed over time. at some times, the parties have had roughly equal power, and competition during elections has been intense. at other times, one party has had significantly more power and has won a majority of elections.
the following statements summarize electoral results from different parts of u.s. history. sort the statements by whether they show periods when parties had roughly equal power, or periods when one party was dominant.
between 1876 and 1892, no presidential candidate was able to win the popular vote by more than 3 percentage points.
from 1800 to 1824, every presidential election was won by members of a single party.
between 1980 and 2022, control of the senate alternated regularly between democrats and republicans.
from 1932 to 1980, the democratic party won control of congress in 23 out of 25 elections.
the parties have roughly equal power
one party is dominant

Explanation:

• "Between 1876 and 1892, no presidential candidate was able to win the popular vote by more than 3 percentage points": This shows that the parties were closely matched in terms of popular support, indicating roughly equal power.
• "Between 1980 and 2022, control of the Senate alternated regularly between Democrats and Republicans": Regular alternation of Senate control implies a balance of power where neither party had a long - term, overwhelming dominance.
• "From 1800 to 1824, every presidential election was won by members of a single party": A single - party winning streak shows one - party dominance.
• "From 1932 to 1980, the Democratic Party won control of Congress in 23 out of 25 elections": Such a high success rate for one party (the Democrats in this case) over a long period indicates one - party dominance.

Answer:

• The parties have roughly equal power:
• Between 1876 and 1892, no presidential candidate was able to win the popular vote by more than 3 percentage points.
• Between 1980 and 2022, control of the Senate alternated regularly between Democrats and Republicans.
• One party is dominant:
• From 1800 to 1824, every presidential election was won by members of a single party.
• From 1932 to 1980, the Democratic Party won control of Congress in 23 out of 25 elections.