Which of the following statements most accurately characterizes the American party system by the early 1840s?

   

• As the 1840 election demonstrated, the Whigs held the edge in party discipline and mass loyalty.
• The two parties offered virtually the same social and economic platform but employed differing campaign styles to attract voters.
• The practice of Americans voting for a particular party along ethnic and religious lines began to emerge.
• The Democrats had a major advantage in their wealth and the cohesiveness of their leadership and support. 

ANSWER: The practice of Americans voting for a particular party along ethnic and religious lines began to emerge.