Final answer:
Wisconsin, led by Governor Robert La Follette, best represented state-level reform that promoted more democracy and efficiency through the use of experts. Progressive reforms such as ending the patronage system and spreading power among specialist commissioners emphasized scientific guidance and expertise in government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state that best represented reform on the state level, advocating for more democracy and the use of experts from local universities to make government more efficient, was Wisconsin, under the leadership of Governor Robert La Follette. He was a leading figure in the Progressive Movement, which sought to eliminate corruption and implement scientific methods into governance, often utilizing the expertise of academics and other professionals to improve efficiency and public administration. This approach to governance is reflected in the adoption of the city manager system, where a city manager, typically an adept engineer or businessman, was employed to oversee the daily operations of a city and ensure efficient service delivery to citizens.
La Follette's Wisconsin became a "laboratory of democracy" following the ideals of Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who encouraged states to try out social and economic experiments. The focus on breaking away from the patronage system and appointing experts to key positions in state government were hallmarks of the Progressive Era reforms aimed at creating a more democratic and effective government.