The table below shows population figures and the resulting changes in U.S. House of Representatives seat allocations for selected states between 1980 and 2010:
| State | 1980 Population (Millions) | 2010 Population (Millions) | Net Change in Congressional Seats (1980–2010) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 17.6 | 19.4 | -7 |
| Ohio | 10.8 | 11.5 | -5 |
| Florida | 9.7 | 18.8 | +8 |
| Texas | 14.2 | 25.2 | +9 |
Which of the following best explains a major political consequence of the demographic shifts illustrated in the table?
- It shifted the nation's political center of gravity toward the South and West, bolstering a conservative coalition that advocated for deregulation, lower taxes, and right-to-work laws.Answer
- BIt was primarily fueled by Sun Belt states adopting Keynesian demand-side fiscal policies, such as high state corporate taxes and increased public welfare spending, to attract major industries.
- CIt forced the federal government to adhere strictly to laissez-faire principles by eliminating all defense spending and aerospace subsidies that had previously gone to southern and western states.
- DIt was sparked by the expansion of federally funded urban housing programs modeled after the New Deal and Great Society to house low-income industrial workers in southern cities.
Answer
The demographic shifts illustrated in the table shifted the nation's political center of gravity toward the South and West, bolstering a conservative coalition that advocated for deregulation, lower taxes, and right-to-work laws.
The correct answer is correct because the census data shows a clear shift in population and congressional representation from the Rust Belt/Northeast to the Sun Belt (Florida and Texas). This migration shifted the political balance of power, strengthening the conservative coalition in national politics as Sun Belt states generally favored deregulation, lower taxes, and right-to-work legislation.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Political consequences of Sun Belt migration and demographic shifts post-1980