An alternative way to paraphrase the sentence given is:
<em>"The candidates debated if the current policies were appropriate due to changes in the economy, shifts in the population, and end of war.</em>
In this case, the use of parallel structures helps make the sentence more coherent by using the same grammar patterns. The grammar pattern is <em>noun+prepositional phrase</em>:
- Changes in economy
- Shifts in the population
- End of war
"In September he spent most of his time visiting parks, while in October he mostly flew kites" would be a possible combination, although there are several others you could choose.
The answer is a group of young girls were accused of having visions and consorting with the devil.
I would also recommend doing some reading about the Salem Witch Trials - they're actually really interesting!