Final answer:
William Jennings Bryan's candidacy for president was based on the policy of 'free silver' or bimetalism, an effort to move to a bimetal or silver standard to inflate the currency and aid indebted farmers, which aligned with the Populist Party's interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Jennings Bryan based his candidacy for president primarily on the policy of "free silver" or bimetalism, which involved moving the country to a bimetal or silver standard. This stance was symbolized by his famous "Cross of Gold" speech.
Bryan's advocacy for the silver standard and opposition to the gold-only standard, which was largely supported by the Republicans and their candidate William McKinley, was central to the Democratic platform in the 1896 presidential election. Bryan's policy aimed to coin more silver to inflate the currency in an effort to help indebted farmers and promote economic growth, which was in line with the platform of the Populist Party, who also endorsed him.
The correct answer to the question in multiple-choice format would be:
- Eight-hour work day
- Easy money
- Direct election of US senators
- Sound money