Final answer:
The Populist Party consisted mostly of poor farmers who were primarily concerned with combating the economic challenges posed by bankers and capitalists. These interests often differed from those of urban industrial workers, leading to challenges in forming a broader coalition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Populist Party was primarily composed of poor farmers. This political group, also known as the People's Party, emerged in the 1890s during a period of economic hardship for farmers. They sought to unite the working class and the agrarian communities against what they perceived as the oppressive forces of bankers and capitalists. Despite attempts to expand their appeal to urban laborers, the Populist Party struggled to align the diverse interests of industrial workers, who were often concerned about potential inflation and the instability that might follow the party's proposed financial reforms.
While urban workers favored tariffs to protect domestic production, farmers generally opposed them hoping that a reduction in American tariffs would lead to reduced taxes on their exported goods. The different economic interests of factory workers and farmers meant that the party's reach into urban populations was limited. The Populists believed in policies such as a graduated income tax, eight-hour workday, direct election of senators, and government control of railroads, showing their commitment to advocating for both the agricultural and working class, even though their strongest base remained among the poor farmers.
The answer to the question is: d. poor farmers.