What typically precedes a party realignment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A critical election typically precedes a party realignment, as it is a major shift in voter coalitions and electoral behavior that can cause one or more parties to fundamentally change their platforms and priorities. These elections are often marked by significant social or economic changes, as well as the emergence of new issues or cleavages that divide the electorate in new ways. Caucus and censure are internal party processes that are unlikely to trigger a party realignment, while economic crises may have an impact on party platforms but are not a direct cause of realignment.

What Typically Precedes a Party Realignment