Answer :
Final answer:
A significant electoral shift from one party to another is known as a realignment election, as seen in the 1932 U.S. election with a shift from Republican to Democratic dominance which lasted for several decades.
Explanation:
An election in which there is a significant shift in the bases of electoral support from one political party to another is called a realignment election. A notable example of a realignment election in the United States was the 1932 election, where the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt signified a shift in political power from the Republicans to the Democrats, creating a new coalition that lasted for decades. This type of election shows a major change in the political landscape, often involving shifts in party ideology, policies, and voter demographics.
Realignment elections can stem from critical elections where a minority party overturns the existing majority party's dominance, indicating deep changes in the electorate's preferences. Such shifts in voter allegiance are typically long-term and can significantly impact the political balance. The concept of dealignment is also relevant, which refers to a decrease in party loyalty where voters base their decisions on short-term, election-specific factors rather than long-established party allegiance.