The correct answer is option D. The fourth era of American political party history, which began in 1968, is characterized by a divided government. In the Presidential elections of 1968, the Republican candidate, former vice president Richard Nixon defeated the Democratic candidate, who was the actual vice president of the country, Hubert Humphrey. With this election, a new era of American political party history began, the government was now a divided one. The Republicans were in charge of the Executive Power, and although they have gained some seats at Congress, the majority was still Democratic, meaning that both parties would have to negotiate most policies in order for them to be ratified.