Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The reform that aimed at increasing direct democracy in the electoral process is associated with direct primaries. This system allows party members to vote directly for their preferred candidates to represent the party in general elections, rather than leaving the decision to a small group of party leaders or delegates. By enabling voters to select candidates themselves, direct primaries enhance the democratic process and empower individuals to have a greater role in shaping the political landscape.

While other options, such as recall elections and referendums, also promote elements of direct democracy, they focus on different mechanisms. Recall elections allow voters to remove elected officials from office before their term ends, and referendums provide a way for citizens to vote directly on specific policy issues or laws. The secret ballot is designed to ensure privacy in voting but does not directly impact who gets to run in the elections. Thus, the direct primary system stands out as the most significant reform for fostering direct participation in candidate selection within the electoral process.