Progressive Movement Practice Exam 2026 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The movement that aimed to reduce the power of political machines and increase democratic processes is the Progressive Movement. This movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, responding to the issues created by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. It sought to implement reforms that would enhance democracy and reduce the influence of powerful political organizations that often manipulated electoral processes for their gain.

Key features of the Progressive Movement included advocating for direct election of senators (which led to the 17th Amendment), introducing initiatives and referendums that allowed citizens to vote directly on certain laws, and promoting the concept of recall elections to remove elected officials from office. These reforms were designed to empower the electorate, making government more accountable to the people, rather than to party machines or corporate interests.

The other movements listed had different focuses. The Populist Movement primarily aimed to address the economic grievances of farmers and workers and sought to challenge the power of big business, while the Suffrage Movement specifically focused on securing voting rights for women. The Direct Democracy Movement aligns closely with some goals of the Progressive Movement but is not as widely recognized or historically significant. Hence, the Progressive Movement is the most accurate answer for the goal of reducing political machine power and increasing democratic