What characterized the 2000 presidential election?

The 2000 presidential election is primarily characterized by its unprecedented closeness and the subsequent Supreme Court case, Bush v. Gore. The election was marked by a contentious and narrow race between George W. Bush and Al Gore, culminating in a dramatic recount in Florida, which ultimately determined the outcome. The vote in Florida was decided by just a few hundred ballots, illustrating how divided the electorate was.

The Supreme Court's decision in Bush v. Gore effectively ended the recount process, allowing Bush to claim victory in Florida and thus the presidency, despite Gore winning the popular vote nationwide. This decision raised significant questions about voting rights, the electoral process, and the role of the judiciary in elections, making the 2000 election a pivotal moment in U.S. political history.

Other options do not accurately capture the essence of the election. While voter turnout was notable, it was not historically low, and transparency issues were raised, but the election was marked by widespread confusion and allegations of irregularities rather than a transparent voting process. Thus, the closeness of the election and the subsequent legal battles are what truly defined the 2000 presidential election.