Since 1962, the incumbent reelection rate in the House has not fallen below 80 percent. Which values represent this threshold?

Since 1962, the incumbent reelection rate in the House has not fallen below 80 percent. Which values represent this threshold?

• A. 60%
• B. 75%
• C. 80%
• D. 90%

Answer: (C)

The statement that the incumbent reelection rate has never fallen below 80 percent means 80 percent is the minimum level observed—the lower bound of the rate. The value that represents this threshold is 80 percent because it marks the point any actual rate would have to meet or exceed. Lower numbers like 60 percent or 75 percent would contradict the claim, while a higher number like 90 percent is possible but simply sits above the threshold; the key boundary value is 80 percent.

The statement that the incumbent reelection rate has never fallen below 80 percent means 80 percent is the minimum level observed—the lower bound of the rate. The value that represents this threshold is 80 percent because it marks the point any actual rate would have to meet or exceed. Lower numbers like 60 percent or 75 percent would contradict the claim, while a higher number like 90 percent is possible but simply sits above the threshold; the key boundary value is 80 percent.