Which measures were part of Progressive Era reforms addressing political corruption, labor, and public health?

• A. Isolationist foreign policy
• B. Prohibition only
• C. Direct primaries, initiative, referendum, antitrust actions, workplace safety laws, food and drug regulations, and settlement-house movements.
• D. Expansion of the gold standard

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is the Progressive Era effort to expand democracy, curb corruption, and improve public welfare through government action. The measures in this set reflect that goal across three areas: politics, labor, and public health. Direct primaries, along with initiatives and referenda, put more power in the hands of citizens and reduce the influence of party bosses and corrupt politicians. Antitrust actions target monopolies that could wield undue control over markets and politics, addressing both economic and political corruption. Workplace safety laws safeguard workers, while food and drug regulations protect public health by ensuring safer products and honest labeling. Settlement-house movements tackle urban poverty and immigrant communities, promoting social reforms and better living conditions—another facet of reducing corruption and neglect in rapidly growing cities.

Other options don’t fit as well because they don’t collectively address these three areas. An isolationist foreign policy focuses on international stance rather than domestic reform. Prohibition alone highlights a single issue rather than the broader spectrum of political reforms, labor protections, and health regulations. Expanding the gold standard is a monetary policy matter, not a package of Progressive Era reforms aimed at politics, labor, and public health.