The transition from the Harding to Coolidge administrations is BEST described as

• A. Rough
• B. Smooth
• C. Turbulent
• D. Uncertain

Answer: (B)

A smooth transition is being tested here because the change in administration kept to the same general direction and tone. When Coolidge stepped in after Harding’s death, he upheld the pro-business, limited-government approach that Harding favored and didn’t push through drastic policy reversals or shake up the key offices. This gave the country a sense of continuity and stability, which fit the calmer, confident mood of the early 1920s and helped the economy keep moving forward.

While Harding’s presidency carried the weight of scandals, Coolidge’s takeover was portrayed as orderly and steady, reinforcing a sense of continuity rather than upheaval. That’s why describing the transition as smooth best captures what happened. The other descriptors imply more disruption or uncertainty than actually occurred during the handover.