The following options contribute to the increase in political tension during the election of 1796:
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The President and vice president were from opposing parties: John Adams, a Federalist, won the presidency, while Thomas Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, became vice president. This situation led to significant tension and conflict within the executive branch.
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The growth of the media inspired conflict: The rise of partisan newspapers and media outlets that favored one party over another heightened political divisions and fueled animosity between the two political factions.
The other statements are not accurate in the context of the election of 1796:
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Both candidates supported a strong federal government: While Adams (a Federalist) did support a strong federal government, Jefferson (Democratic-Republican) favored states’ rights and a more limited federal government. This ideological divide contributed to the political tension.
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The president no longer had the power to choose cabinet members: This statement is misleading. The president did retain the power to choose cabinet members, and this authority did not change as a result of the election.
So, the correct selections regarding the increase in political tension from the election of 1796 are:
- The President and vice president were from opposing parties.
- The growth of the media inspired conflict.