Final answer:
Muckrakers influenced the federal government by exposing social issues and leading to legislation to address them.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and wrongdoing in American society during the Progressive Era. Their work had a significant impact on the federal government by raising public awareness and putting pressure on politicians to address various issues. For example, Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle' exposed the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906. These laws aimed to regulate harmful business practices and protect consumer health.
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