GED Social Studies TestU.S. HistoryMedium
A student is researching the economic policies of the United States during the early 20th century, specifically focusing on the Progressive Era. Which of the following best describes a key goal of the Progressive movement regarding economic regulation?
- ATo establish a centrally planned economy controlled by the government.
- BTo break up large monopolies and trusts to restore competition and protect consumers.
- CTo encourage the formation of larger corporations to increase industrial output.
- DTo promote complete laissez-faire capitalism and minimal government intervention.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. To break up large monopolies and trusts to restore competition and protect consumers.
The Progressive Era was characterized by efforts to address the negative consequences of industrialization and unchecked corporate power, primarily through government regulation aimed at breaking up monopolies and ensuring fair competition.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A centrally planned economy is associated with socialism or communism, not the Progressive movement's goals.
- C. Progressives aimed to limit, not encourage, the unchecked growth of corporate power and monopolies.
- D. Laissez-faire was the policy that Progressives reacted against, not promoted.
Progressive Era Economic Reforms
A period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s, aimed at combating corruption, monopolies, and social injustices.
- Sought to regulate big business and break up trusts.
- Introduced consumer protection laws (e.g., Pure Food and Drug Act).
- Promoted worker rights and fairer labor practices.
Memory trick: Progressives aimed to balance power, not just build factories.