Progressive Movement Practice Exam

What belief did Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson share regarding the Federal Government?

1. Allow the free-enterprise system to work without regulation

2. Use its power to regulate unfair business practices

3. Provide jobs for unemployed workers

4. Support unions in labor-management disputes

The correct answer is: Use its power to regulate unfair business practices

Presidents Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson were all aligned in their belief that the Federal Government should actively use its power to regulate unfair business practices. During the Progressive Era, which these leaders were part of, there was a growing concern about the influence and behavior of monopolies and large corporations, often referred to as "trusts." Roosevelt, for instance, became known as a "trust buster" for his vigorous enforcement of antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act, to dismantle monopolistic corporations that harmed public interest. Taft continued in this vein, launching even more antitrust lawsuits than Roosevelt did. Wilson, through his New Freedom policy, supported measures like the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, which aimed to promote fair competition and protect consumers from unfair business practices. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of these presidents during their administrations. While free enterprise is crucial, they recognized that unregulated markets could lead to significant social and economic issues. The provision of jobs and support for unions were more indirect results of their regulatory focus rather than core beliefs that defined their approaches. Therefore, focusing on the regulation of business practices captures the essence of their shared