Historically, vice presidential candidates have often been chosen to __________.

• A. Help establish the president's agenda
• B. Placate a significant party constituency
• C. Mentor the president
• D. Lure a primary election challenger away from running on his or her own

Answer: (B)

Ticket balancing is the idea behind choosing a vice presidential candidate. By selecting someone who can appeal to parts of the party or the electorate the presidential candidate doesn’t strongly represent—such as a different region, ideological wing, or demographic group—the ticket can attract a broader coalition. Historically this has been a common motive, so picking someone to placate a significant party constituency fits best. The other options don’t reflect the usual aim: the president typically guides the agenda; the vice president is not primarily chosen to mentor the president; and deterring a primary challenger isn’t a central, reliable goal of VP selection.