Question

while researching a topic, a student has taken the following notes: -railroads of the 19th century established monopolies. -they colluded to set prices and completely control the rail market in certain geographic areas. -the united states government took action in 1887. -that year, the interstate commerce act was passed to subject railroads to federal guidelines. -railroads were the first american industry regulated by the united states government. the student wants to explain why the interstate commerce act was necessary. which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal? select one answer a because railroads had established monopolies and colluded to set prices, the federal government enacted the interstate commerce act in 1887. b the interstate commerce act of 1887 established regulation of the railroads, the first industry to be subject to guidelines set forth by the american government. c the united states government took action against the railroad industry in 1887 to bring the industry under federal regulations through the interstate commerce act. d railroads of the 19th century were not regulated before 1887 when the united states congress passed the interstate commerce act to regulate the industry. no answer saved

Explanation:

To determine the most effective choice, we analyze the student's goal of explaining why the Interstate Commerce Act was necessary. The notes state that railroads had monopolies, colluded to set prices, and the government acted in 1887. Option A connects the monopolistic and collusive behavior of railroads (from the notes) to the government's enactment of the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887, directly addressing the necessity by showing the problem (railroad practices) that led to the act. Option B focuses on the act being the first regulation, not the necessity. Option C is unclear in its wording. Option D states railroads were not regulated before, but the key is why regulation (the act) was needed, which A explains by linking the railroad's actions to the government's response.

Answer:

A. Because railroads had established monopolies and colluded to set prices, the federal government enacted the Interstate Commerce Act in 1887.