What was the main political reform demanded by the Omaha Platform in 1892?

Study for the AMSCO AP United States History Exam covering Period 6. Prepare with multiple-choice questions, hints, and explanations. Get ready for your APUSH exam!

The Omaha Platform, adopted by the Populist Party in 1892, called for several significant reforms aimed at increasing democracy and addressing the needs of farmers and the working class. Among these reforms, one of the most critical was the demand for the direct popular election of U.S. senators. Prior to this reform, senators were selected by state legislatures, which often led to corruption and a lack of accountability to the electorate. By advocating for direct election, the Populists aimed to make senators more responsive to the general public and enhance democratic principles in the political system.

The other choices presented reflect important economic concerns of the time, but they were not the core focus of the Omaha Platform. Establishing a national bank, imposing a federal income tax, and lowering tariffs addressed other aspects of economic reform and regulation but did not specifically relate to the central political reforms highlighted in the Omaha Platform. Thus, the emphasis on the direct election of senators stands out as the primary political reform advocated by this significant movement.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy