A "Critical Election" refers to a significant political event that leads to a major shift in the political landscape of a country. These elections often result in the realignment of party systems, where new issues emerge, and voter loyalties change. They can reshape the direction of government policies and influence the balance of power for years to come. In the United States, critical elections have historically marked pivotal moments, such as the 1932 election that brought Franklin D. Roosevelt to power during the Great Depression. Another example is the 1964 election, which solidified the dominance of the Democratic Party in the wake of civil rights advancements.