What major shift occurred with the Democrats in the Fifth Party System?

The correct answer highlights the significant transformation within the Democratic Party during the Fifth Party System, which began after World War II and extended into the late 20th century. This period was characterized by the New Deal coalition, which brought together disparate social groups—including labor unions, African Americans, and liberal intellectuals—into a cohesive coalition that significantly influenced American politics.

The formation of these Super-Coalitions was critical as it represented an expansion of the Democratic Party's base by incorporating diverse demographic groups and interest factions. This broad coalition not only strengthened the party’s political power but also allowed it to effectively mobilize and address a wider range of social, economic, and civil rights issues. Consequently, these changes helped to solidify the Democrats' position as a dominant force in American politics for several decades.

The emergence of minor parties, decreased influence of the Democrats, and collapsing party structures are not reflective of the major shifts observed in the Fifth Party System, as this period was marked more by coalition building and the solidification of interests within the Democratic Party rather than fragmentation or decline.