In the late nineteenth century, politics, and especially election campaigns, ______________.

A) were seldom covered by the nation's newspapers
B) aroused very little public interest
C) often served as a form of recreation
D) seldom dealt with issues that voters deemed important

In the late nineteenth century, politics and election campaigns often served as a form of recreation. Large rallies, parades, and speeches were common and attracted large crowds of people who viewed them as a form of entertainment. This is also reflected in the emergence of political buttons and souvenirs, which were collected and traded as a hobby.