During which period did the Democrats and Republicans primarily compete against each other, according to the text?

The correct choice is based on the historical context surrounding the alignment and competition between the two major political parties in the United States. The Fifth Party System is typically characterized by the political landscape that emerged during the mid-20th century, particularly following the New Deal era in the 1930s.

During this period, the Democratic Party expanded its coalition, appealing to a diverse electorate that included urban workers, African Americans, and various minority groups, largely because of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal policies. The Republican Party, on the other hand, was represented by a coalition that consisted mainly of business interests and more conservative voters.

The competition between these two parties during the Fifth Party System was marked by significant political events, such as civil rights movements, economic challenges, and shifts in voter demographics. This system shaped the contemporary political landscape and established the enduring partisan identities that continue to influence American politics today.

The other choices refer to different party systems with varying configurations of political competition. The Third Party System primarily involved the rivalry between Democrats and Whigs before the emergence of Republicans. The Fourth Party System is often associated with the period of political dominance by the Republicans in the early 20th century, while the Sixth Party System is considered to represent the political developments