Final answer:
The best statement that describes untied progressive reformers is that they believed citizens should be less involved in democracy. They supported modest regulation of big business, rejected laissez-faire economics, and championed the expansion of voting rights for women, with a view toward a more regulated democratic engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which statement best describes untied progressive reformers' attitudes towards big business, voting rights for women, laissez-faire economic policy, and public participation in democracy. Upon examining the various principles and actions of the Progressive reformers of the early 20th century, we can determine their stance on these issues. They embraced the practices of some big business owners who were sympathetic to mild government regulation, opposed laissez-faire economics by advocating for government intervention to regulate monopolies and labor conflicts, and actively supported the expansion of voting rights for women.
Therefore, the statement that best matches the Progressive reformers' views is that they believed citizens should be less involved in democracy (Option 4). This aligns with their perspective of perfecting democracy by expanding suffrage to 'worthy' citizens while limiting it for those perceived as 'unfit', thus showing that they sought a more controlled form of engagement in democratic processes, rather than direct and widespread public involvement.