Progressive Movement Practice Exam

Muckrakers primarily focused on exposing political corruption, which was rampant in the early 20th century. Their investigative journalism played a critical role in uncovering unethical practices and abuses of power among government officials and politicians. Through detailed reports, they informed the public about the extent of corruption in political systems, highlighting issues like bribery, graft, and the influence of corporations on politics. This public exposure was instrumental in galvanizing reform movements aimed at increasing government accountability and transparency, leading to significant changes such as the establishment of regulatory agencies and initiatives like the direct election of senators.

While the other options address important social issues—the need for labor rights reforms, consumer protection laws, and attention to environmental concerns—muckrakers were particularly known for their contributions to revealing and combating political corruption, which they viewed as a fundamental obstacle to addressing these other issues effectively.