Which statement best captures the core aim of muckrakers in the Progressive Era?

Which statement best captures the core aim of muckrakers in the Progressive Era?

• A. They exposed social ills and corruption
• B. They published novels about rural life
• C. They supported political machines
• D. They promoted laissez-faire economics

Answer: (D)

Muckraking journalism focuses on uncovering corruption, abuses, and social problems to spur reform during the Progressive Era. The aim is to make hidden issues visible to the public and policymakers so corrective changes can happen. That’s why exposing social ills and corruption best captures their purpose. The other options don’t fit: publishing novels about rural life is literary, not investigative journalism; supporting political machines would align with corruption, not critique; promoting laissez-faire economics runs counter to the reform-minded push for regulation and protections for workers and consumers.

Muckraking journalism focuses on uncovering corruption, abuses, and social problems to spur reform during the Progressive Era. The aim is to make hidden issues visible to the public and policymakers so corrective changes can happen. That’s why exposing social ills and corruption best captures their purpose. The other options don’t fit: publishing novels about rural life is literary, not investigative journalism; supporting political machines would align with corruption, not critique; promoting laissez-faire economics runs counter to the reform-minded push for regulation and protections for workers and consumers.