Final answer:
Disillusionment and confusion among Americans can be largely attributed to economic instability and political polarization, characterized by events like the Watergate scandal, economic crises, and the rise of candidate-centered politics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Events and trends that might explain disillusionment and confusion among Americans include economic instability, such as the effects of deindustrialization and the 2007-2008 economic crisis, and political polarization, as seen in the cultural wars and the era's distinct division into conservative and liberal ideologies. The disillusionment in the political system during the late 1960s and 1970s can be attributed to various social, political, economic, and cultural factors such as the contentious Vietnam War, the Watergate scandal, and increasing gaps between different socio-economic groups in America. These events led to voters losing faith in their leaders and the political system itself. Additionally, the shift of voter preferences, the rise of candidate-centered campaigns, and increasing partisanship signaled the declining influence of political parties.