Question

What characterizes the present political era that began in 1968?

Answer 1

This was the era of the divided government. New elected president did not have the power to control  both houses.

Answer 2

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

What characterizes the present political era that began in 1968 is the permanent division of political power between the two dominant political parties in the United States. A division of government between Republicans and Democrats that has marked a deep division between citizens in some parts of the country.