Question

How many parties participated in the 1945 and 1946 elections?

(a) 1945: 6 parties; 1946: 16 parties
(b) 1945: 16 parties; 1946: 8 parties
(c) 1945: 10 parties; 1946: 14 parties
(d) 1945: 8 parties; 1946: 12 parties

Answer 1

In the 1945 and 1946 elections, there were 16 parties and 8 parties respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is (b) 1945: 16 parties; 1946: 8 parties.

In 1945, there were 16 parties that participated in the elections. This was a period of significant party realignment, with control of the presidency shifting from one party to another. The Democratic Party was in control at this time.

In 1946, the number of participating parties decreased to 8. The decline in voter participation was influenced by several factors, including single-party dominance, laws making it difficult for third parties to appear on the ballot, and the decline of urban political machines.