Final answer:
During the Gilded Age, U.S. government policies were largely influenced by issues of patronage, tariffs, and gold-standard monetary policy. The federal government upheld high tariffs to protect domestic industries and relied on a patronage system. Despite legislation like the Sherman Antitrust Act, most policies failed to directly alleviate the struggles of the working class and farmers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Gilded Age, a term coined by Mark Twain, refers to the late 19th century period in U.S. history characterized by rapid industrialization and economic expansion. During this era, general government policies focused primarily on issues such as patronage, tariffs, and monetary policy. The Sherman Antitrust Act and the Sherman Silver Purchase Act were enacted to combat monopolies and increase the money supply, but were largely ineffective when it came to offering relief for the working class and farmers. The ongoing debate of gold versus silver for the nation's monetary standard greatly affected the economy, with the government firmly upholding the gold standard, which benefited businessmen but hurt farmers and blue-collar workers.
Corruption and the influence of business monopolies on politics were prominent, with many politicians engaging in graft and bribery practices. Despite the era's economic growth, the federal government largely operated on a patronage system, hindering effective legislation and overlooking the needs of average citizens. The political landscape was complicated by the close finishes in presidential elections and a Congress that focused on patronage over passing substantive reforms. In response, grassroots movements and new political parties began to emerge as citizens sought solutions to their challenges outside of established political structures.
To protect domestic industries and raise revenue in lieu of a federal income tax, the government levied high tariffs on imported goods, giving American manufacturers a competitive edge. Industrial growth was further supported by government concessions and land provisions to railroads, fostering urban development and setting the stage for future regulation.