Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The significance of the term "laissez-faire" in relation to the Progressive Movement lies in its association with economic policies that favor minimal government intervention in the economy. The Progressive Movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was characterized by a push against the laissez-faire approach. Progressives believed that unregulated capitalism contributed to social issues such as poverty, corruption, and inequality.

They argued that government should play a more active role in regulating the economy and addressing these social problems. This opposition to laissez-faire principles marked a significant shift in thought during the Progressive Era, as reformers sought to introduce policies that would protect workers, consumers, and the environment from the excesses of unregulated capitalism.

Understanding this context highlights why the second option accurately captures the Progressive Movement's stance against the laissez-faire ideology, positioning the movement in direct contrast to the idea of minimal government intervention in economic affairs.