The shift from district elections to citywide at-large elections reflected
A) middle-class reformers' distrust of poor and immigrant voters.
B) progressives' desire to build cross-class coalitions.
C) widespread approval of the city manager model of urban governance.
D) reform efforts to decrease campaign spending.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The shift from district elections to citywide at-large elections was primarily driven by middle-class reformers' distrust of poor and immigrant voters. They believed that at-large elections would dilute the political power of these groups, who were more likely to be concentrated in specific districts, and thus ensure that the "better elements" of society could maintain control over city governments.

The Shift from District Elections to Citywide At-Large Elections Reflected