Which of the following is the most likely consequence of divided government? A Reorganization of the federal bureaucracy B Conflicts between states Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees Conflicts between national government and states E Elimination of the seniority rule in Congress

The most likely consequence of a divided government is "Delays in confirmation of federal court nominees." When the government is divided, meaning that one political party controls the presidency and the other controls one or both chambers of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), it is common for political conflicts to arise. This can lead to partisan gridlock, where each party may block the initiatives of the other. One of the areas where this is most evident is in the confirmation of federal court nominees, including those to the Supreme Court, because these appointments require confirmation by the Senate.

Extra: A "divided government" refers to a situation where the executive branch is controlled by one political party, and the legislative branch (or a part of it) is controlled by the opposite party. This often results in a slower legislative process and can bring about considerable delays in passing laws and confirming appointments, including judges for federal courts.

The confirmation process for federal court nominees typically involves several steps, including a nomination by the President, background checks, hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and a vote by the full Senate. If the President's party does not hold a majority in the Senate, the opposing party can use various tactics to delay or even block confirmation votes. These tactics could include requesting more information, prolonging the debate, or refusing to hold a vote at all.

In contrast to the most likely consequence of a divided government (delays in confirmations), the other options provided are less directly related to the immediate functions of a divided government:

- Reorganization of the federal bureaucracy is a complex process that can happen under both divided and unified governments. - Conflicts between states can occur regardless of the federal government's makeup, often driven by differing state laws and policies. - Conflicts between the national government and states are usually about federalism and the balance of power, and while they may be exacerbated by a divided government, they are not a direct consequence of it. - Elimination of the seniority rule in Congress is an internal procedural matter and does not necessarily have a direct link to the government being divided.