MTTC Social Studies 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The core issue of government regulation of railroads and trusts during the Fourth Party System is pivotal in understanding the economic landscape of this period, which spanned roughly from the 1890s to the 1930s. This era was marked by rapid industrialization, leading to the rise of large corporations and monopolies. As these entities grew in power, there was significant public concern regarding their influence over the economy, prices, and competition.

The regulation of railroads was particularly critical since railroads were the backbone of the American economy at the time, facilitating trade and transportation. The government responded to this concern with measures such as the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, which aimed to curb the excesses of railroad monopolies and ensure fair rates for consumers and shippers.

In addition to railroads, the issue of trusts—large companies that aimed to reduce competition and control markets—became prominent. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was one of the first federal acts to outlaw monopolistic business practices, indicating a growing recognition of the need for government intervention to maintain a competitive marketplace and protect economic freedom.

Thus, the correct answer reflects a significant aspect of this historical period where economic policies were being shaped by the need for regulation in