Final answer:
Farmers joined the Populist Party to achieve economic relief, fairer policies, and improved representation in government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Populist Party gained support from many farmers for several reasons:
- First, the farmers were facing economic hardships due to factors like overproduction and high tariffs, which left them in desperate straits.
- Second, many farmers were disillusioned by the federal government's inability to address their concerns and the uneven responses from state governments.
- Third, the Populist Party's platform addressed their plights and offered solutions that appealed to farmers, such as a graduated income tax, direct election of U.S. Senators, and loan programs to balance the costs of food.
By joining the Populist Party, the farmers hoped to achieve economic relief, fairer policies, and improved representation in government.