Question

How did the federal budget crisis affect the presidential election in 1996? People were disappointed that Clinton shut down the government. People had more negative feelings toward the Republican Party. People blamed Democrats for cuts made to social programs. People credited Republicans with ending the budget crisis.

Answer 1

The federal budget crisis affected the presidential election in 1996 as people had more negative feelings toward the Republican Party" given that their refusal to pass a budget led the government to shut down, which resulted in a great damage of their reputation among American citizens.

Answer 2

"People had more negative feelings toward the Republican Party" is the best option, since many people viewed the Republicans as being selfish when they chose to shut down the government over a budget issue.