Final answer:
During the Progressive Era, the individuals known for exposing corruption and inequality were referred to as reformers, or muckrakers, who aimed for societal improvements through government action. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who attempted to expose corruption and inequality during the Progressive Era were known as reformers. These reformers, often called muckrakers, were a group of journalists and writers who exposed problems in American society and urged the public to demand solutions.
Unlike radical progressives who sought complete revolution, reformers of the Progressive Era aimed to improve conditions via government action and were mostly well-educated, middle-class individuals who believed in the efficiency of capitalism but saw the need for regulations to address its shortcomings.
They opposed doctrines like Socialism and instead championed governmental intervention to protect workers and balance democracy with efficiency, relying on science and expertise to help enact social justice and reform.
Hence, Option a is correct.