Final answer:
Both the Industrial Revolution/Progressive Era and the present day share similarities in the influence of big corporations on politics, with political corruption and powerful interests shaping government actions. The Progressive reforms attempted to counter these influences, a challenge that continues today.
Step-by-step explanation:
The similarities between the political corruption and influences that big corporations have on politicians and government during the Industrial Revolution/Progressive Era and today are significant. In both eras, corporations have exercised considerable influence over politics. During the Progressive Era, powerful party bosses controlled political machines like Tammany Hall, and politicians were often subject to bribery to ignore certain business practices. The wealthiest businessmen used their economic power to gain political advantage, much as large corporations and financial interests do today.
The consolidation of power by major corporations during the Progressive Era led to widespread concern, and Progressives fought back by advocating for government to play a bigger role in regulating the market. This mirrors current debates over the need for government intervention to curb the influence of modern-day corporate giants. The commission system that emerged from Progressive reforms to fight corruption in city governments is an example of an enduring solution to counter corruption and aligns with today's efforts to make government more accountable.
In conclusion, the legacy of the Progressive Era includes regulations and reforms that aimed to limit the influence of big corporations on government, which is an ongoing struggle in contemporary politics.