Final answer:
Realigning elections, also known as critical elections, result in significant and lasting shifts in voting patterns and party coalitions. They can lead to party realignment based on new issues or ideologies that emerge. An example is the 1932 U.S. presidential election, which saw a shift in support from the Republican to the Democratic Party due to the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Realigning elections, otherwise known as critical elections, are a type of election that results in a significant and lasting shift in voting patterns and party coalitions. These elections can lead to a realignment of party loyalties and policy priorities, usually due to major social, economic, or political changes. Realignment can occur when a new issue or ideology emerges, leading voters to switch their support from one party to another. An example of a realigning election is the 1932 United States presidential election, which saw a shift in support from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party due to the Great Depression.