Question

During the progressive era, democratic participation was expanded in many states and Americans began directly electing their US senators. What was one effect of this change?

1) Increased voter turnout in elections
2) Decreased voter turnout in elections
3) Limited the power of the people
4) Increased corruption in politics

Answer 1

Option (1), The direct election of U.S. senators during the Progressive Era was intended to increase voter turnout in elections by allowing citizens a more direct role in selecting their representatives.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the Progressive Era, democratic participation was expanded in many states, and one significant reform was the direct election of United States senators, enacted by the Seventeenth Amendment. This change was one of several to enhance citizen participation in the electoral process and reduce the influence of party bosses and special interests.

The direct election of senators is associated with the intended effect of increasing voter turnout in elections because it allowed citizens a more direct role in choosing their representatives.