HISET Social Studies Practice

What aspect of democracy was promoted by the progressivism movement?

1. Elimination of trade tariffs

2. Increased corporate power

3. Advancement of equal rights for marginalized groups

4. Expansion of isolationist policies

The correct answer is: Advancement of equal rights for marginalized groups

The progressivism movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was fundamentally focused on addressing issues of social justice, political corruption, and economic inequality. A key aspect of this movement was the advancement of equal rights for marginalized groups, which included women, racial minorities, and laborers. Activists sought to combat discrimination and ensure that all individuals had a voice in the democratic process. This aim was reflected in various reforms, such as women's suffrage, civil rights initiatives, and labor laws that improved conditions for workers. The movement heralded a more inclusive understanding of democracy, striving to ensure that the rights and voices of all citizens, particularly those who had been historically marginalized, were recognized and protected. In contrast, other choices such as the elimination of trade tariffs, increased corporate power, and the expansion of isolationist policies do not align with the core objectives of progressivism, as they do not directly address the equitable treatment of all citizens or social justice goals that define the essence of the movement.