Final answer:
Progressivism changed American beliefs by expanding the role of the federal government to more actively address societal issues and regulate the economy, thus deviating from the previous laissez-faire approach. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
Progressivism fundamentally changed American beliefs about the federal government's role in society. Instead of adhering to a hands-off, laissez-faire attitude, Progressivism ushered in an era where the federal government took on a more active role in addressing societal issues.
This included enacting a variety of legislation aimed at regulating the economy, improving consumer safety, and establishing social welfare programs. The work of muckraking journalists and reform-minded politicians helped to rally public support for these changes, expanding democracy and promoting governmental intervention as solutions to socio-economic problems.
The correct answer to how Progressivism changed American beliefs about the federal government is C) It expanded the role of the federal government in addressing societal issues. This reflects the historical shift towards a more involved government that worked to combat trusts and monopolies, enforce consumer safety laws, and eventually stabilize the banking system through the creation of the Federal Reserve.