Progressive Movement Practice Exam

The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act highlighted the government's focus on:

1. Environmental conservation

2. Workers' rights

3. Business competition

4. Consumer protection

The correct answer is: Consumer protection

The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act significantly underscored the government's prioritization of consumer protection during the Progressive Era. These acts were responses to growing concerns over food safety and the quality of drugs, reflecting a public demand for better regulation and assurance against unsafe products. The Pure Food and Drug Act aimed to eliminate false advertising and ensure that food and pharmaceutical products were properly labeled and safe for consumption. Similarly, the Meat Inspection Act established standards for the hygiene and inspection of meat products, ensuring that they were safe for public consumption. This focus on consumer protection emerged from the realization that unregulated industries could lead to public health crises and exploitation of consumers. The Progressive Movement aimed to address these issues by advocating for laws that would hold companies accountable and protect the well-being of individuals. Hence, the correct answer illustrates the broader trend of governmental interventions designed to safeguard consumers in the marketplace.