Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive Test Prep

The Progressive Movement, which took place primarily from the late 19th century into the early 20th century, was driven by a desire to address the social, political, and economic challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. A key aspect of the movement was its focus on electoral reforms aimed at making the democratic process more inclusive and representative.

The implementation of the secret ballot was significant because it aimed to reduce corruption by ensuring that voters could make their choices privately, without fear of intimidation or coercion from party bosses or other external influences. This reform was part of a broader effort to enhance the integrity of elections and restore public confidence in the democratic process.

Direct primary elections were also introduced during this time to give voters more power in choosing candidates for public office instead of leaving those decisions to party elites. This reform was intended to combat the influence of political machines and ensure that candidates were more accountable to their constituents.

Together, these reforms represented a substantial shift toward making electoral processes more democratic, allowing greater participation from the general populace and fostering a political environment conducive to civic engagement. The goal was to empower citizens and promote fairness in elections, contrasting with the other choices, which suggest a trend toward restricting voting rights and participation in the political system.