The American Presidential Election of 1888

The 1888 presidential election saw Grover Cleveland, a popular incumbent with libertarian leanings, face off against Benjamin Harrison, a Civil War veteran. Cleveland's policies, especially on free trade, faced opposition, leading to a close race focused on tariffs. Harrison's campaign was marked by active campaigning and a scandal involving vote buying. Despite losing the popular vote, Harrison won the presidency due to the electoral college. The election highlighted the influence of third parties and led to changes in voting secrecy.

What was a key reason for Grover Cleveland's popularity during his first term?

• His integrity and non-interventionist policies

• His support for high tariffs

• His interventionist foreign policy

• His aggressive campaigning

Why did many Americans in industrial states oppose Cleveland's policies?

• They wanted a younger first lady

• They supported a non-interventionist foreign policy

• They feared job losses due to free trade

• They wanted more government spending

Who was Benjamin Harrison's running mate in the 1888 election?

• John Sherman

• Clinton Fisk

• Alan Thurman

• Levi Morton

What was the main issue in the campaign between Cleveland and Harrison?

• Foreign policy

• Tariffs

• Immigration

• Civil rights

What was the outcome of the scandal involving William Wade Dudley?

• It had no impact on the election

• It led to Cleveland's victory

• It caused secret ballots to be implemented

• It resulted in open ballots

How did the 1888 election impact future presidential elections?

• It resulted in a tie

• It was the first election with a female candidate

• It was the last election with open ballots

• It led to the abolition of the Electoral College

What was unique about the 1888 election results?

• The winner also won the popular vote

• The winner did not win the popular vote

• The election was decided by Congress

• It was the first election with electronic voting