Final answer:
The election of 1832 initiated the tradition of nominating conventions, marking a significant shift towards greater democracy in the political process and strengthening political parties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The election of 1832 changed the face of American politics primarily by beginning the tradition of nominating conventions. Prior to this, presidential candidates were often selected through a process known as the king caucus, where legislators informally decided on nominees. The frustration from previous elections, notably when Andrew Jackson won the popular vote in 1824 but lost the presidency, catalyzed the need for a system that reflected the popular will more accurately. Thus, the Democratic Party held the first-ever nominating convention in 1832, setting a precedent that would lead to greater democratization of the political process and a strengthening of the party system.