Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) Taft continued Roosevelt's policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Howard Taft brought a distinctive approach to the presidency, particularly in the realm of foreign policy and domestic regulatory actions. Unlike Theodore Roosevelt's 'big stick' diplomacy, Taft favored 'dollar diplomacy,' promoting American economic interests abroad.
Although he attempted to follow Roosevelt's policies, Taft's strategies led to interventions in foreign economies and political systems. For instance, he worked to develop China's railroads and attempted to strengthen China against Japanese influence but faced complex international challenges. Domestically, Taft surprisingly pushed for antitrust legislation more aggressively than his predecessor and did not shy away from taking on what Roosevelt considered 'good' trusts.
Taft supported the Mann-Elkins Act, extending the Interstate Commerce Commission's oversight, and was president during the proposal of constitutional amendments for a federal income tax and the direct election of U.S. senators. His administration saw increased antitrust litigation but also experienced challenges due to his less charismatic political style and eventual estrangement from Roosevelt, which ultimately affected his reelection bid.