Final answer:
John F. Kennedy won the 1960 election with the support of various groups based on religion, race, and ethnicity, appealing to minority voters and taking progressive stances on civil rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the election of 1960, key components in John F. Kennedy's victory included his appeal to religion, race, and ethnicity. Despite concerns that Kennedy's Roman Catholic faith would influence his decisions, his progressive stance on civil rights and his selection of Lyndon B. Johnson as his vice-presidential running mate helped win over many voters. Additionally, Kennedy garnered crucial support from minority voters, who had largely turned away from the Republican Party, and from various Democratic groups, such as labor unions, women's rights activists, and nonunion workers. His support of civil rights figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. also significantly helped him gain the African American vote. Thus, all these answers: A. religion, B. race, and C. ethnicity are correct in explaining Kennedy's narrow victory over Nixon.