Political Corruption and Reform in the Gilded Age

What was the primary focus of the book "The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today" by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner?

• The lavish parties and extravagant wealth of the era.

• The political corruption and state of American democracy.

• The rise of industrialization and new technologies.

• The lives of immigrants in bustling urban centers.

How did America's political system generally deal with the significant economic changes after the Civil War?

• By implementing reforms to ensure fairness and transparency.

• By becoming increasingly corrupt at national and local levels.

• By focusing on expanding civil rights for all citizens.

• By promoting international trade agreements.

What was the main purpose of an urban political machine, such as Tammany Hall, during the Gilded Age?

• To provide social services and charity to the poor.

• To promote cultural events and public education.

• To win elections and exercise political power.

• To advocate for workers' rights and fair wages.

What was a common method used by political machines like Tammany Hall to maintain power and gain support from citizens?

• Offering jobs and assistance to immigrants and the poor in exchange for votes.

• Hosting public debates and encouraging civic engagement.

• Implementing strict laws against corruption and fraud.

• Investing in infrastructure projects without seeking personal gain.

What was the main purpose of the Civil Service Act of 1883?

• To increase political favoritism in government jobs.

• To create a merit-based system for federal employment.

• To allow presidents to appoint more loyal supporters.

• To reduce the number of federal employees.

Why did farmers in the 1870s form movements like the Grange and Farmers Alliance?

• To support the monopolistic practices of railroads.

• To advocate for higher taxes on agricultural products.

• To pressure state governments for fair railroad rates and warehouse charges.

• To encourage farmers to move to urban areas.

Which of the following was a key proposal of the People's Party (Populists) in the late 19th century?

• Reducing government control over the economy.

• Establishing a flat tax system for all citizens.

• Government ownership of railroads.

• Limiting the right of laborers to form unions.

What was William Jennings Bryan's main argument for supporting the free coinage of silver?

• To decrease the amount of money in circulation.

• To lower prices for farmers and make it harder to pay debts.

• To increase the amount of money in circulation, raise prices for farmers, and make it easier to pay debts.

• To shift the national currency entirely to gold.